Why? 25 Case Studies

February 2, 2006 - May 7, 2006

Why is this object important? This exhibition features 25 exceptional pieces recently acquired by the Museum of Arts & Design, most on display for the first time. The works are in a variety of media, ranging from an exquisitely crafted gold necklace by German master jeweler Hermann Junger to an exuberant quilt celebrating the city of New York by Susan Shie. Interactive labels allow the visitor to explore the artwork from many different angles—examining technique, artistic importance, the perspectives of the curator, the artist and even other museum visitors.

Why? Illustrates many of the ideas behind MAD's collecting practices. The Museum's focus on the transformation of materials through process can been seen in the outstanding craftsmanship of Harvey Fein's turned wood platter, beautifully constructed out of a single piece of burl wood. Parallel to MAD's commitment to traditional materials, the Museum collects works by artists using innovative materials, such as Maria Philips, whose Swell necklace is made out of gut stretched over steel. MAD also collects works by artists who are pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques, such as Kondo Takahiro, a third-generation Japanese master ceramist. Takahiro builds on the traditional sometsuke cobalt blue-and-white porcelain pieces for which his father and grandfather became famous through his experimentation with glazes, including the "silver mist" overglaze in his work at MAD.

Why? Is an exciting opportunity to see innovative works by exceptional artists, as well as a unique look into the many reasons why a museum collects and exhibits artwork.