5 Must-See Design Exhibitions 2016
From Paris to Germany, there are options a plenty for those looking to get their fix on design exhibitions
The Maison & Objet interior design fair has packed its bags in Paris to prepare for its next two showings, in Singapore and Miami. We’ll certainly be there for the Singapore show and fret not because there are plenty of other top design exhibitions around the world to choose from.
We first set our sights on the “Faire le mur. Quatre siècles de papiers peints” at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Currently running till June 2016, it features nearly 300 pieces on display covering more than four centuries of wall paper design. A contemporary piece that joins several traditional designs is the “Lendemain de fête” or “morning after”. Made by the Santix wallpaper company, the design is printed on empty oyster shells and fruit peelings. A part of the exhibition, named “Tissus inspires, Pierre Frey”, focuses on one of France’s biggest wallpaper manufacturers. The exhibition will look back on more than 80 years of designs by Pierre Frey.
Hopping over to Italy, is the “Kitchens & Invaders” at the Triennale di Milano. Inspired by the Jack Finney novel, The Body Snatchers, it compares kitchen appliances to invading aliens. Running till April 21, it is said to be like visiting aliens slipping surreptitiously into the human world and revolutionizing societies; kitchen utensils working their way into our lives and changing things for good. The exhibition also explores the transformation of utensils into machines and robots. It is a great look back over the stars of the modern kitchen, from the earliest contraptions to today’s must-have gizmos.
Over in Denmark, is the “Learning from Japan” till September 24th at the Designmuseum Danmark. The Copenhagen Designmuseum celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015. As part of ongoing celebrations, the museum is focusing on how Japanese design inspired Danish art and industrial design. The exhibition features a selection of pieces from the museum’s collection of Japanese and Danish works.
Also within Europe is the “The Bauhaus #itsalldesign” at Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein in Germany till February 28. This is the Vitra Design Museum’s first exhibition on the Bauhaus, a cultural movement that revolutionized the worlds of design and architecture through the school of the same name. The exhibition features rare pieces associated with the movement from the worlds of design, architecture, art, cinema and photography.
The only exhibition outside of Europe is the “Jaime Hayon| Funtastico” at the Design Museum Holon in Israel. Running till the end of April, it features the work of Spanish designer Jaime Hayon. Considered one of the 100 most relevant designers of our time, his work is characterized by its fantastical, amusing and wondrous nature. As one of the most acclaimed designers of his generation, this exhibition at Design Museum Holon showcases his work from the last 10 years, including intriguing ceramic cacti and a rocking chicken.