- Nov 13, 2019
- 4 min read
As creatives, we strive to become better at what we do and perfect our craft. But acquiring new skills or putting in the hours is just a part of it. Being a part of the culture and the design community is crucial for our personal development. That’s why we’re bringing you Design Agenda. Each season we will create a curated list of the intriguing and inspiring goings on creatives should take note of like design conferences, new publications, design events, exhibitions, and more.
Design and Art in Venice
Just after tourists bid-farewell from it’s canals, the temperatures and atmosphere in Venice cool down. Even so, early October encompasses two standout events: the Venice Biennale, largely considered the mecca of art; and Venice Design Week, which focuses on the city’s deeply rooted connection with the tradition of craft.
The latter is a week-long event series that includes exhibitions, workshops and activities with a clear focus on craft and calls upon designers, retailers and educators to join.
For the craft-oriented designers, Venice Biennial has much to offer. This year’s edition, May You Live in Interesting Times, curated by Ralph Rugoff, explores themes of AI, fake news, humanism and subversiveness. This year, many works are craft oriented. Still, the show manages to provoke both material inspiration and critical thinking. Just a few of the many (many) jems: works by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the collection of LizWorks pieces, installations by Gabriel Rico, the Lorenzo Quinn’s Building Bridges installation, Dysfunctional by Carpenters Workshop Gallery with works by designer Maarten Baas, artist Ingrid Donat, designer Nacho Carbonell, and more. If you are not able to attend, make sure to follow the pictures for assured inspiration.
Venice Design Week: Oct. 6 - 14, 2019, Venice Biennial: Throughout Nov. 24, 2019
The Myth of Susan Sontag
Much of what we understand today about visual culture can be traced back to the philosopher, activist and filmmaker Susan Sontag. Her singular mind and relentless activism made her a towering figure in the 20th century landscape. In the recent publication, Sontag: Her Life, written by Benjamin Moser, we are offered an insightful account of both her life and intellectual development. Moreover, it is an opportunity to reflect on her writings regarding photography as social practice, which are especially relevant in today’s overly-visual reality.
'Sontag: Her Life’ by Benjamin Moser, published 09/2019, 832 pages, Harper Collins
Trendsetting at Parsons
The acclaimed Pictoplasma Conference from Berlin visits NYC again, bringing together creatives, designers, and illustrators who are making noise and setting trends. Talks at Pictoplasma have gained attention for being honest and inspiring while giving insights on creative processes and work methodologies.
Pictoplasma Conference, Parsons School of Design, NYC,11-12 Nov. 2019
The Spotlights
Part of a tidal wave of interest in female artists seen in global institutions, three major exhibitions will reflect on historical narratives, while reacquainting us with exciting bodies of work.
The first, photographer and painter Dora Maar, is part of a waking global interest in female surrealists. The Tate will show the largest retrospective of her work ever to be seen in the UK and will explore both her documentary work as well as commercial. Both by scale and context, this show manages to pull the once-labeled provocative artist away from the shadow of her past lover, Pablo Picasso, and propel her into the center of cultural significance. In addition, it serves as an invitation to consider the meaning of signature style and how to hold on to dream-like perspectives during political upheavals.
On the Spanish front, the national Prado museum puts the spotlight on two prominent renaissance female artists in “A Tale of Two Women Painters”. Both gained unequivocal recognition despite their label as “female artists” and lead fascinating and inspiring lives. The first, Sofonisba Anguissola of Cremona in Italy, met and received informal guidance by Michelangelo in Rome, later becoming court painter to King Philip II. The second, Lavinia Fontana, another Italian whom Anguissola inspired to become a painter of her own accord, was known for succeeding independently, without the support of either church or court. Painting many women and their families, she was the first female artist to paint figures in the nude.
Last for the season, “Fighting for Visibility” highlights 60 works by female artists from the 140-year old collection of Berlin’s Nationalgalerie, which dates back to pre-1919. The exhibition exposes a wild variety of styles, mediums, perspectives and approaches to art and art making. And while the differences between the women are vast, they all faced both personal and professional challenges in order to pursue their art. With mid-century restrictions placed specifically on female artists, those whose works are featured have fought for attention and recognition - resulting in one of the most exhilarating and masterful exhibitions to be seen.
“Dora Maar״, Tate Modern London, 20 Nov. - 15 Mar. 2020
“A Tale of Two Women Painters: Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana”, Museo Nacional del Prado. Madrid, 22 Nov. 19 - 2 Feb. 2020
“Fighting for Visibility: Women Artists in the Nationalgalerie before 1919״ Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin, 11 Oct. 19 - 8 Mar. 2020
