R 20th Century’s latest exhibition, What’s The Matter?, will concentrate on raw materials and illustrate how different generations of designers have used and incorporated these elements into their work. The show will be will be curated by Kulapat Yantrasast, founding partner and creative director of WHY/HOW, the LA-based international architecture and design firm.
Installation Rendering Courtesy of WHY/HOW
“R 20th Century has long been interested in the themes of materiality and craft in decorative arts, art and architecture,” said Evan Snyderman, principal of R 20th Century. “I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with Kulapat Yantrasast on this exhibition and to take that passion and interest even deeper through close consideration of the making of objects and into the realms of science, mathematics and even food. I think Yantrasast is one of the most interesting architects working today and it is fascinating to see how he will transform the physical space of the gallery and work of our designers.”
Yantrasast and his team at WHY/HOW selected iconic objects from R 20th Century’s inventory, which will be combined with contemporary designs by fresh new talent.
"Guaraci" chaise in pequi wood with woven leather. Designed by Hugo França, Brazil 2007.
“Like chefs, designers work with materials and processes,” said Yantrasat. “Creativity is manifested in the encounter of these two. Clusters of curated objects, presented in a highly unconventional manner, convey the creative energy of the maker.”
Unique Hex stool in brass tiles over wood form. Designed and made by The Haas Brothers, Los Angeles, CA, 2013
Exploring both the source material and the process, What’s The Matter? serves as the debut of WHY/HOW's object-making workshop. Limited edition pieces, designed and fabricated by WHY/HOW, will examine the ideas behind three current construction projects through three materials—glass, metal and concrete—and the processes by which these materials are transformed. These pieces will be on display alongside the select works from R 20th Century’s collection.
The exhibition will be on view September 17 through November 1, with an opening reception on Tuesday, September 17, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
