Every creative toys with the idea of moving to Japan after their first trip to Tokyo. Very few actually commit for longer than the time it takes to finish Lost In Translation, but Liam Mugavin made the move straight after university.

After spending four years honing his interests and working as a freelance designer, Liam eventually returned to Adelaide to establish his eponymous practice, Studio Liam Mugavin, and further train at the Jam Factory Furniture Studio. In late 2017, Liam moved back to Japan, where he recently purchased a property a couple of hours out of Tokyo in the mountains.

His debut solo exhibition, Unconfined by Convention, is now on at Criteria’s Cremorne showroom. Exploring cultural and design narratives in reference to themes of home and domesticity, Liam’s collection of unique chairs draw upon traditional Japanese aesthetics. Made with reclaimed timber from demolished heritage homes throughout Sydney, Melbourne and Australia, ‘the collection imbues the metaphysical, aesthetic and physical attribute of the materials heritage and previous life as a house.’

The use of heritage materials combined with an influence of traditional Japanese aesthetics speaks to Liam’s personal philosophy. ‘I’m interested how we can move beyond the “rustic” and use these materials in more contemporary ways and therefore change our views and values’, he explains.

Unconfined by Convention 
Liam Mugavin
May 10th – June 10th
Criteria Collection
66 Gwynne Street
Cremorne, Victoria