Exploring the latest trends in digital fabrication, Out of Hand: Materializing the Postdigital at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), is the first in-depth survey dedicated to exploring the impact of computer-assisted methods of production on contemporary art, architecture and design.
On view October 15 through July 6, 2014, this exhibition brings together more than 120 works of sculpture, jewelry, fashion and furniture by 85 artists, architects and designers from 20 countries, to examine how new technologies are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and creation.
The Clone Chair
"The compelling new works in Out of Hand expand audience understanding of the ways artists and designers from around the world are utilizing these new technologies to extend their artistic practice, revealing how these innovations are also transforming practices in manufacturing, healthcare, and other fields not readily associated with the contemporary art world," said David McFadden, MAD's William and Mildred Lasdon chief curator. "By examining these groundbreaking trends through the lens of artistic expression, MAD is opening up a dialogue on the significance of digital technologies to our larger culture and global society."
The cutting-edge works highlighted in the exhibition demonstrate the reciprocal relationship between art and technological innovation as well as materials and new techniques—an area of exploration that has long been at the core of MAD's mission and curatorial program.
Coffee Table
Organized by Ronald T. Labaco, MAD's Marcia Docter curator, the exhibition features works created from 2005 to the present by both established and emerging artists, architects and designers, including: Barry X Ball, Bespoke Innovations, Wim Delvoye, Richard Dupont, Zaha Hadid, Anish Kapoor, Joris Laarman, Janne Kyttanen, Daniel Libeskind, Maya Lin, Greg Lynn, Lucas Maassen, Jurgen Mayer-H, Achim Menges, Marc Newson, Alan McCollum, Roxy Paine, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Dries Verbruggen, among many others.
The exhibition, conceptually organized around six themes, provides a framework for navigating the diverse range of artwork on view and reflect aesthetic trends and artistic approaches: Modeling Nature, New Geometrics, Rebooting Revivals, Digital Manipulation, Works in Pattern and Processuality.
Building on MAD's practice of making the artistic process accessible in the gallery spaces, audience participation will play a central role in the exhibition. One section will be equipped with 3D printers, 3D scanners and computer monitors, allowing visitors to experiment with the technologies explored in the show.
Brain Wave Sofa
Also integrated into the installation are video clips that explain individual artistic practices and the divergent approaches toward incorporating digital fabrication in the creative process. Additionally, a number of the featured works include interactive components.
