By Elizabeth Segran
The Swedish Design Museum To Go Is Like Talk Out for Art
Handcrafted plates crafted from wood derived from Swedish forests so you can have a picnic beside the water. A simple lamp to read a book under the moonlight. A brilliant inflatable helmet in case you decide to take a bike ride. These are among the objects that designers Johan and Nina Kauppi have packed in a backpack for you to take on your next visit to Sweden. “We’ve selected products that are great examples of Swedish design, but that we think will also enhance a visitor’s experience of our country,” Nina Kauppi explains...
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I really like this idea, especially as museal institutions are modernizing. I think that museums have a lot of potential to redesign their visitor engagement and this approach is one way to do that. Being able to take things directly from an exhibit could create a lot of dialogue and drive more visitors.
ReplyDeleteI found this idea a bit kitchy. The items in the bags were meant to explore various spots in the city, but they weren't unique enough for me to relate them just to that city, or beyond any contents of any backpack. The objects seemed like everyday objects rather than an intimate object that could only be used in a specific place in the city. I would rather have a list if items that I would gather of my own, and then a place in the city to visit, making me personal belongings more special to that place and time.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for an artwork and satchel designed/produced by Christine Hill as part of her Volksboutique project to relate to this story but I cannot find a web link. But perhaps the Utopia Bird Calls by Bjork could also work as a reference. Collected objects that can be connected directly to place (like Nina Kauppi in article above). The birdcalls and backpack can be directly linked to an experience of place. Perhaps any Geocache project can do this as well. A visit to Christine Hill's Volksboutique provides viewers with an experience with objects that calls into question how we become attached to objects and more complex ways of understanding them in terms of commerce, ownership, aesthetics, nostalgia, and desire. As artists connect collections and themselves to place and ecological systems these strategies may prove helpful.
ReplyDeleteRead https://hyperallergic.com/86859/christine-hills-small-business/
Video short here https://vimeo.com/198703183
"A conversation between Hill and the customer occurs, during which a selection of objects is made that will all go into a Whitman’s sampler–like cardboard box, sealed with Hill’s trademark green Volksboutique sticker (all for a flat price — far less than purchasing one of Hill’s works from her gallery, which is part of the point). The interaction, as it were, also goes into the box. Anonymity is not on offer, because Hill is aiming at the awkward sweet spot of commerce, in which the consumer is confronted with her relationship to her own desires and assignations of worth. Like a highly condensed course in object therapy, Hill asks the customer to consider her role in the object world — as desirer, acquirer, selector, rejecter."
I agree with Jacque that the items were not entirely specific to Sweden and could be replicated anywhere. However I do think that the idea is easily replicated and could have more unique items placed inside. I also do think that it is interesting that they are such simple items, it could say something about the simplicity of exploring in Sweden which I like.
ReplyDeleteThis work and the idea of offering the viewers a take away experience reminds of 'starter pack' memes; and in this case its a Swedish starter pack. More specifically it's a high design starter pack as knowing the history of Swedish design and it's dedication to quality.
ReplyDeleteThis idea reminded me at first of the concept of a capsule wardrobe. While obviously not the same in the function, both are supposed to help the user get past any decision-making delays that could arise and to simply be in the moment instead. I love that each backpack is designed with a specific region in mind, but that it also contains a few choices of things to help with activities in that area. This is a great example of site-specific work and it also gets the users/viewers excited about the space they are visiting.
ReplyDeleteWoah honestly I love this idea that Sweden is implementing; I think it is very unique and revolutional to the realm of art museums and viewer interaction. I'm sure there will need to be many trial and errors with a plan such as this in order to solidify the most sensible way for people to take pieces with them as they tour throughout Sweden. Some possible issues could include loss or damage of items and potential replication of an artist's work when placed in the hands of individuals. I agree with the article that this could add a personal touch, making someone's visit to Sweden much more sentimental and engaging. I would love to contribute and/or utilize an "art library" such as this.
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