Stephen Burks | Are You A Hybrid?

through October 2 '11

Museum of Arts and Design
New York

Currently showing at Museum of Arts and Design, New York; 'Are You A Hybrid?' aims to show the the presence, impact and influence of the developing world on contemporary design.

Evolving from 'The Global Africa Project', a recent show at Museum of Arts and Design which explored in depth the issue of cultural fusion in design; 'Are You A Hybrid?' is part of the MADProjects exhibition series exploring emerging design trends and innovation.

The show is curated by designer Stephen Burks whose Brooklyn-based design studio, Readymade Projects has combined industrial design and creative direction for world famous brands, with the creation of projects and objects committed to the promotion of sustainable design in the developing world.

Including work by Burks and 20 other designers, this show presents work which promotes a pluralistic vision of design. Pieces on show range from mid-century modern design in the work of Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Girard to contemporary designers such as Fernando and Humberto Campana, Hella Jongerius, Jasper Morrison, and Patricia Urquiola. Particularly within the work of the contemporary designers featured, visitors can expect to see ways in which projects have been realised in collaboration with artisans and designers from around the world, helping to preserve traditional skills by applying them to new products for an international market. Images of some of the pieces featured are presented below.

To compliment the designs on show, Burks' ongoing documentary project 'Made on Earth' is featured, showing footage from his design collaborations in Haiti, Senegal, and South Africa. There is also a large library installation and visitor reading area, featuring a selection of reading materials chosen by the by Burks to serve as an educational reference regarding the concepts, themes, and issues considered in the exhibition.

Stephen Burks | Are You A Hybrid?

Stephen Burks, Lantern Table Lamp, 2010

Stephen Burks, Cappellini Love Table, 2008

Frank Michels, Ataya Tea Services: Saint Louis, 2009

Jonathan Muecke, Step Stool, 2008

Julien Carretero, Drag Vase, 2009

Hella Jongerius, Bovist, 2005