The New Domestic Landscape

Exhibition dates: 1 - 30 October 2010

- "If you never change your mind, why have one?" Edward de Bono

Work by:
Kyouei Design (Toyko); Martin Ruiz de Azuz (Barcelona); Ronja Svaneborg (Copenhagen); Fantome (North-East England); Christopher Cox (Denver); Cohda Design (Newcastle); Deadgood (Newcastle); Clarita Lulic (North-East England)
    
Does the temper of our times demand more contradiction and complexity than ever from "the stuff that surrounds you", as Wallpaper* magazine calls our domestic consumer items? In 1972 the Museum of Modern Art staged a seminal exhibition entitled "The New Domestic Landscape" amongst predictions of a "leisure society" from thinkers in both the UK and US. The exhibition brought together designers who created exuberant, anti-rational products based on the new world of man-made materials of the post-war world, and their seemingly inexhaustible supply.

The 'New Domestic Landscape' of 2010 is as full of contradictions and complexities as its predecessor. The exhibition brings together a range of international artists and designers who create a range of challenges and provocations that are aimed at transforming conventional habits of mind, and which are meant to be enjoyed - or endured - in the comfort of our own homes. Kyouei Design transform our televisions into beautiful abstract colour-field paintings whose hues vary infinitesimally second by second - so that our sitting rooms become temples for meditation and contemplation, and our televisions aids to reaching a state of zen-like bliss. By contrast, Danish artist Ronja Svaneborg presents incandescent light bulbs, each carefully encased in custom-fitted leather jackets, that act to preserve what are now in effect relics of a former industrial age.

'The New Domestic Landscape' is part of the Design Event North East festival which is supported by the Arts Council, England and Northern Rock Foundation.  The festival takes place from 22-31 October 2010 throughout the North East region and the theme this year is Conversation.  There will be a range of exhibitions and events covering all aspects of design from product design to graphics, fashion and architecture.  For more information please visit www.design-event.co.uk.