“The exhibition demonstrates how political activism drives a wealth of design ingenuity and collective creativity that defy standard definitions of art and design"
Yesterday I visited the V&A museum in London to help me with my research for my dissertation. I visited the Disobedient Objects exhibition which is the first to examine the role of powerful objects in movements for social change. The artefacts placed on display throughout the exhibition were not intended as works of art or design - The creators of these objects suggest they were made in response to crisis in the heat of the moment. It seems somewhat ironic to show products of raw protest and political activism within the cultivated surroundings of the V&A.
The exhibition is thought-provoking with the telegraph describing it as “utterly engrossing”. Disobedient objects addresses activist design and as you wander round the one room exhibition you find yourself captivated by the rebellious atmosphere. The exhibition focuses its attention on objects that have played a part in social change and those which continue to do so. Designed to remind visitors of ongoing struggles, heightening the distressing nature of the exhibition.
Artefacts from around the world are on display throughout the exhibition focusing on the period from the late 1970’s to now, with new technologies and political change rife. From anti-apartheid badges to defaced currency, political video games and textiles bearing witness to political murders.The masked Trini dolls made by the Zapatista movement in Mexico to the gorilla masks worn by art-activist group Guerrilla Girls each item represents social change. As you make your way through the exhibition violent protests are projected onto the walls and you are greeted with instructions on how to make a DIY tear-gas mask. Disobedient Objects addresses activist design aiming to showcase these radical objects telling a harrowing story. I found the exhibition to be hard-hitting, defying the common perception of art and design. The exhibition is running until the 1st February and I'd definitely recommend a visit. Find out more details here.
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