Going MAD: Second Life Exhibition Delivers

Posted by Eric Teng on February 8 at 12:00 AM What impressed me more was what was inside. With triple the space of its previous facility, MAD can now dedicate galleries to its growing permanent collection (like the more than 500 modern and contemporary jewelry works) for the first time in its history.

I loved how well the permanent collection was documented. Interactive kiosks throughout the museum enhanced the visitor experience with an innovative user tool designed by Pentagram, which provided virtual access to the entire permanent collection. A simple, intuitive user interface and hundreds of beautiful, silhouetted objects against a black background mirror the sleek simplicity of the museum’s exterior. This database also included other useful information such as artist techniques and materials, and links to artist histories. The entire experience was so fluid and effortless; I found it hard to tear myself away from the interactive tool.

The main exhibition, Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, was the highlight of the visit. This exhibit showcases the work of 54 international artists, who repurpose everyday objects into transformative works of art. At once beautiful and imposing, some of the large-scale pieces elicit awe and bewilderment from first sight. An 11-foot high pixilated-like portrait constructed from thousands of plastic unbreakable combs, a multi-tiered chandelier made of old eyeglasses, a pyramid made from plastic utensils and rubber bands, a mural of butterflies made from old LP’s, and a coat of armor made from dog tags are just a sampling of what’s in store. There are political messages conveyed here through the works for sure, but the creativity and insane detail are the main draw for this viewer! One only needs to look at a work like the beautiful, undulating coral reef constructed from tens of thousands of white buttons to imagine the painstaking process (and patience for that matter) involved in creating such a piece. Chief Curator David Revere McFadden summarizes the experience best: “Our perceptions of objects being functional or aesthetic, cheap or valuable are directly challenged in the works on view…”

Topics: arts and culture        SHARE: