Art Freak Wins Two Top "GOLD AWARDs" Simultaneously at the "Exhibit Design Awards," the Academy Awards of Exhibition Design!
Art Freak Co., Ltd. has achieved a historic milestone by winning two Gold Awards at the 39th Exhibit Design Awards, organized by EXHIBITOR Magazine. Representing 50% of the total Gold Awards given worldwide this year, the independent Japanese design firm has solidified its position at the pinnacle of global creative excellence.
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- 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 01:16
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Art Freak Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takuya Komada), an exhibition and event planning and production company, is proud to announce that two of its projects have simultaneously won the highest honor, the "GOLD AWARD," at the 39th Exhibit Design Awards. This globally prestigious international design competition is organized by "EXHIBITOR Magazine," the largest exhibition specialty publication in the United States.
This year, only four projects worldwide were selected for the Gold Award. By securing two of these spots (50%), Art Freak has achieved an overwhelming level of recognition rarely seen in the competition's history. Amidst large-scale projects from global corporations, the feat of an independent Japanese design firm claiming half of the Gold Awards serves as proof that Art Freak’s creativity is at the top of the world.
Awarded Works and Judges' Evaluation:
1. GOLD AWARD: "Quiet Riot" (Art Freak Self-Exhibition Booth)
Lead Designer: Honoka Kawahara
Concept: A space that pursues the "aesthetic of subtraction," deliberately stripping away elements in an exhibition hall crowded with flashy displays.
Judge's Comment: "Amidst an overflow of loud graphics, this booth is a space defined by restraint, balance, and a quiet magnetism. It possesses a presence like a 'Zen garden' in the middle of chaos."
2. GOLD AWARD: "Unfinished Business" (Art Freak Self-Exhibition Booth)
Lead Designer: Keiji Murakami
Concept: A self-exhibition booth that intentionally presents an "under construction" or unfinished appearance to stimulate the viewer's imagination.
Judge's Comment: "It is rare to see 'intentional incompleteness' expressed so perfectly. The designer’s playfulness and the narrative that stirs the viewer's imagination demonstrate new possibilities in exhibition design."
About the "Exhibit Design Awards":
Established in 1982, it is the oldest and most authoritative design award in the United States, which hosts the world's largest exhibition market. The jury consists of top creatives and educators who have worked on global projects for brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Toyota. The 39th awards were highly competitive, with only 15 winning projects selected from entries across the globe.
This year, only four projects worldwide were selected for the Gold Award. By securing two of these spots (50%), Art Freak has achieved an overwhelming level of recognition rarely seen in the competition's history. Amidst large-scale projects from global corporations, the feat of an independent Japanese design firm claiming half of the Gold Awards serves as proof that Art Freak’s creativity is at the top of the world.
Awarded Works and Judges' Evaluation:
1. GOLD AWARD: "Quiet Riot" (Art Freak Self-Exhibition Booth)
Lead Designer: Honoka Kawahara
Concept: A space that pursues the "aesthetic of subtraction," deliberately stripping away elements in an exhibition hall crowded with flashy displays.
Judge's Comment: "Amidst an overflow of loud graphics, this booth is a space defined by restraint, balance, and a quiet magnetism. It possesses a presence like a 'Zen garden' in the middle of chaos."
2. GOLD AWARD: "Unfinished Business" (Art Freak Self-Exhibition Booth)
Lead Designer: Keiji Murakami
Concept: A self-exhibition booth that intentionally presents an "under construction" or unfinished appearance to stimulate the viewer's imagination.
Judge's Comment: "It is rare to see 'intentional incompleteness' expressed so perfectly. The designer’s playfulness and the narrative that stirs the viewer's imagination demonstrate new possibilities in exhibition design."
About the "Exhibit Design Awards":
Established in 1982, it is the oldest and most authoritative design award in the United States, which hosts the world's largest exhibition market. The jury consists of top creatives and educators who have worked on global projects for brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Toyota. The 39th awards were highly competitive, with only 15 winning projects selected from entries across the globe.