Fieldtrip

Fieldtrip

1. The theme was

Action/Reaction. I thought it was relevant because not only did all the pieces relate to the theme but they also related to each other through the idea of sustainability.

2. The theme was expressed through all the objects on display, though some are literal and some are figurative. Tanya Aguiniga did this by creating necklaces and fashion out of ropes and interesting materials. She did this as a reaction to the "coldness" of current product/industrial design.

3. The design that captured the theme most closely was the designed silks inspired by Corita Kent and created

by Juliette Belocq. This captured the theme because not on

ly did Corita follow the action/reaction theme by forming these ideas and her book, but Juliette Belocq also followed action/reaction by using the inspiration to create the silk pieces with messages that cause a reaction from viewers.

4. The product I found the most interesting was the Pirate Supply

Shop Goods by Rob Alexander, Will Ecke, Gaelyn Mangrum, and Jeff Bucholtz. I found the products funny and clever. The product relates to action/reaction in a different way. The reaction is

the viewer's surprise when looking closer at the products and seeing the humorous aspect of

the product.

5. The product that I found least compelling was the electronic device

which kept track of how much you ate, slept, exercised, calories burned, etc. I did not find it compelling because I did not understand the benefits of its purpose and function. I felt there was no reaction, that it was just something that did something cool but for no general purpose.

6. I really enjoyed the exhibition. I especially appreciated the connection to sustainability and reuse. I liked how all the products were able to connect to the action/reaction theme in their unique way and interpretation while still being so different from other products with the same theme.

fieldtrip

1. The theme of the exhibition was “Action/Reaction,” expressing a variety of artists’ responses on current events. Underneath the large umbrella of “Action/Reaction” was the theme of sustainability, also conveyed throughout each of the works. The idea that design could be used to ‘change the world’ was shown through five main categories: graphic, fashion, consumer products, architecture and transportation. I thought the theme was very relevant, especially in this age where the campaign for environmentalism and social justice are so prominent.

2. Yes, the theme is very obvious throughout all the projects; all the works expressed some form of socioeconomic or environmental relief. An example of this is the vinyl billboard-bag project by Artecnica. Using used vinyl off billboards, Artecnica developed stretch bags that were both sustainable (made of old material), durable and fashionable.

3. The “Tahiti Housing Complex” by Daly Genik Architects definitely stood out as one of the most interesting pieces for me. The contemporary design and colours used for the project were very unconventional, especially for a low-income-housing project such as this. This project was not only eye-catching (due to its modern aesthetics), it also sustainable and economical for its patrons- the design allowed for the complex to be highly-ventilated (no need for air-conditioning in the summer), while also maximizing daylight to lower energy bills.

4. I found the felt-covered chairs by Tanya Aguiniga one of the most interesting pieces in the exhibition. Aguiniga tried to bring ‘warmth’ back into industrial design, usually seen as a very cold industry, by covering simple-folding chairs in woolly felt in different colours, such as subdued green, yellow and magenta.

5. I found the laundry detergent by Method the least compelling. Though the package design of the product was clean and attractive, the idea of eco-friendly bottles and ‘more for less’ pumps was not original compared to the other projects in the exhibition.

6. Overall, I found that almost every piece in the exhibition had something interesting to offer- not only aesthetically, but for the good of the future.

field trip

The theme for the exhibit was Action/Reaction. Most of the pieces in the exhibit focused on conservation of some sort or a distinct tie to a certain setting. There were very few pieces that the theme did not pertain to. Even pieces that seemed strictly focused on fashion and aesthetics, such as Raven Kauffman's piece that was composed largely of purses, all had a distinct theme of conservation. Kauffman saw cheap disposable fashion as having a negative impact and decided to counter that in her detail oriented piece. The piece "Engaging in the Art of Corita Kent-A Celebration" seemed the most relevant. It had a distinct influence and used a specific community to influence and make the design. I found Michel Berandi's fashion piece the most interesting. The piece itself is striking, and upon further examination he used a lot of unique materials to construct his final product. The solar panel was the least compelling. For one thing, it was white which seems inefficient in gathering heat and it only charges mac products. It seems like an interesting marketing tool and an interesting design but hardly efficient or helpful.

what was your overall impression of the exhibition? Overall, I enjoyed the exhibit. There was a diverse group of designs, all under one overarching theme. I was never bored and definitely could have stayed there for longer than I did.

fieldtrip

1. The theme of the Biennial is Action/Reaction. I did not find the theme particularly relevant because I think that it was too broad of a statement. Many would argue that art itself is always a reaction to SOMEthing.

2. Although I personally did not find the theme relevant, I would agree that most of the objects correlated strongly to the theme, and it was clear that they were chosen for that reason. For example, I think that the Google Maps screenshot of their new "directions for bicyclists" feature is a very clear example of how the Google design has changed as a reaction to the behavioral trends of motorists and cyclists.

3. I think that the fuzzy chair covers by Tanya Aquiniga captured the theme mostly closely, and they were by far my favorite design item. I definitely related to her reference of the cold, uniformity of metal chairs. I really appreciate the fact that she is taking something that stands for the ideas of mass production and group uniformity, and turning it into a warm, comforting item with a motherly-love quality.

4. I was very interested in the handmade shoes by George Esquivel. This is probably just because I am obsessed with Janelle Monae's fashion, and he made her shoes.

5. I found the "Kor One" water bottles to be the least compelling item. The pretentious nature of the "hydration vessel" name really turned me off, as well as the fact that they put "inspirational messages" on the bottle caps. I found them to not be innovative or reactionary at all. This seemed like merely a corportate marketing scheme, and a cliche one at that.

6. Overall, I found some of the pieces to be very interesting, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing. A few (such as the water bottles) were off-putting, but the exhibit was cohesive and I particularly enjoyed the fashion pieces, both for their cultural significance as well as their aesthetic design.

Field Trip

1. The theme of the Biennial is "Action/Reaction", where artists of various mediums created thoughtful works responding to current events and social concerns for a panel of judges putting together the 2010 California Design Biennial at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Broad enough to appeal to a wide range of artists working in vastly different mediums, the theme seemed extremely vague at first, but the specific concerns of current times ended up creating a much stronger and more unified thread through the works than the indistinct 'theme' written on the wall. The pieces spoke to the viewer about environmental consciousness and it various applications through architecture, fashion, product design, and graphic design. Each artist approached the subject differently, some proposing a solution to wastefulness or using recycled or 'green' materials, others promoting awareness of the issue, and still others speaking out against wasteful, environment harming practices. I find the theme extremely relevant as it addresses issues in the forefront of social discourse at the moment and rather than just repeating tired viewpoints, brings about fresh ideas, solutions, and beliefs from artists in forms other than a newsreel or protest.

2. The theme is extremely well expressed through the objects on display. For example, the Graphic Design Program at California Institute of the Arts, created a slick and informative "Better Bikeways" campaign, that utilized clean, clear, colored signs to mark out bike paths and maps with bike routes to provide useful navigational information to cyclists in Los Angeles. The campaign responds to the 'action' in contemporary society of global warming and excessive greenhouse gas emissions with the 'reaction' of promoting cycling as a means of transportation and not just sport. The signs use good design in order to efficiently and aesthetically inform cyclists of routes so that cycling becomes an even easier mode of travel with the aid of beautiful signs that will not be rejected by the neighborhoods they route through because of their appearance.

3. I believe that the object that captured the theme most closely was the Sava Pool designed by mark Cavagnero Associates and Paulett Taggart Architects. The structures both responds to the current event of environmentalism, the common them running through the exhibit, but also to the many characteristics of its surroundings. It is built of sustainable materials such as concrete and aluminum, that are also low cost and therefore ideal for the construction of a public facility. The vast amounts of glass, and the inviting design keep the building made from very industrial materials from being too cold. The pool facility responds to its unique setting in a San Francisco park near a thoroughfare and neighborhood by being both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The low cost of materials also allows the park to be available to visitors for very low cost, and therefore be a more useful facility for residents.

4. The object I found most interesting was the stack of fuzzy folding chairs by Tanya Aquiñiga. The fuzzy and colorful chairs totally upend the usual feeling associated with folding chairs, replacing the cold, hard, and industrial, and the warm, soft, and colorful, and in this way Aquiñaga upends the now traditional idea of cold industrialism in modern furniture. What I find most intriguing about this piece is the pure oddity in something changed in only one way, and how this oddity left an unshakeable feeling of 'wrongness', which made me question why I should wrong at all at the sight of a comfortable and inviting folding chair.

5. The object I found least compelling was the collection of goth dresses with the hornlike decoration. I felt like it least addressed the theme of Action/Reaction or the inner theme of environmental consciousness. The dresses, with their overload of spikey horns and matching uncomfortable antelope horns did shock, but didn't seem to have much of a message behind this shock.

6. I got a very good overall impression of the exhibit. I felt it was very cohesive while still offering a wonderful variety, with photos, installations, fashion, architecture and transportation models, and products designs. One additional piece that I really enjoyed that I did not get to talk about was the inflatable kayak by Advanced Elements, since it both reflects an outdoorsy spirit and ingenious design.

Later,

Christina

Field Trip

This past Saturday some of the FA 102 design classes visited the California Design Biennial 2010 at the PMCA. I thought the exhibit was so beautiful and intriguing! The theme was action/reaction; basically an design-oriented response to socialissues or events. This theme was certainly relevant, particularly because many of the artists chose to focus on sustainability, which is an idea currently at the forefront of societal concern. Though some artists captured the theme more effectively than others, I was impressed by the innovation and unique approach by the designers to all of the items on display.

One example of this kind of interesting approach is accessories designer Raven Kauffman's exhibit:

Kauffman's intricately designed handbags are a reaction to mass consumerism and how uniqueness is lost when thousands upon thousands of copies of a single item are produced. With painstaking detail, Kauffman creates feathered and sequined accessories based on organic and natural elements. As is the case with anything in nature, not one purse is the same as the other.

One of the designs that I thought followed the theme most literally was created by the design agency Artecnica:

They created these mesh-looking bags out of recycled billboards. Perfect forever bags, and such a cool thing to recycle! I think it was definitely reflective of the theme, especially when it comes to sustainability.

My absolute favorite was the incredible exhibit of fashion designer Michael Schmidt. His avant-garde clothing has been worn by celebrities from Blondie to Lady Gaga. His intricate work is truly one of a kind. He is also in keeping with the theme because he often uses found objects, as seen with his razor-blade dress below:

The design I found least compelling was the wall inspired by cake making, designed by Jennifer Luce. It's an interesting concept, but I'm not sure that I understand how it relates to the theme of action/reaction:

Overall, I loved the exhibition and found it very relevant to present day issues. I hope to visit PMCA again in the near future!

California Design Biennial @ PMCA

The theme of the Biennial was Action/Reaction and designs that respond to current events ranging from economic or sociopolitical, in a creative or innovative way.  This theme is very relevant in a time in which the "Green" movement and sustainability are being pushed to help save and reserve earth and better production of goods, the artists works are vaulable in the movements progression.  This theme is clearly expressed through the objects, especially through the display that I found most interesting which was that of Koi Suwanngate.

  She caputured the theme most closely through her use of  "Recycled vintage cashmere, slashed to precision, deconstructed and sculpted in the most feminine of shapes", I personally never knew that recycled fabric or material could be used in such a way to produce such great work.  I found her work the most interesting due to the intricate, delicate and detailed floral decorations she added to nearly all of the dress and the clever use of her native language on the pant set. In opposition the diplay that I found to be least interesting was the Artecnica Stretch bag.

They were the least interesting because they are also the least practical, being that they are just made of paper the thought of carrying a decent size and weight object is irrational. Though sometimes it is the thought that counts, it was a fairly well initial idea for the use of the billboard papers but one that can be further developed.  My overall impression of the exhibit was that all the artist did a great job of responding to the theme of action and reaction in all areas, from graphic design with the bicycle signs to architecture with the use of the airplane hanger as basis of a roof for a beautifully designed home in Malibu.