We use them every day. They influence our lives. They number in the billions. They are so common that we rarely even think about them: the
hidden heroes of everyday life. Be it a plaster, a tea bag or a zipper,
these objects are classics. Typically based on an idea that was both
simple and ingenious, they have often remained essentially unaltered for
decades. Due to their continuity, the efficient use of materials and
great utility, they are the utmost examples of sustainability and
functional aesthetics — and the protagonists of the exhibition “Hidden
Heroes”.
An exhibition by Vitra Design Museum, “Hidden Heroes” presents everyday
items, telling their history and demonstrating the enormous significance
they have today, both conceptually and economically.
With the photos, videos, animations and drawings the exhibition
illuminates four aspects of the hidden heroes: 1. Innovation: The
fascinating history of their invention. 2. Production: The technical
conditions of their successful mass-scale fabrication. 3. Evolution:
Their historical development and the often-astonishing diversity of
models and variations. 4. Inspiration: Their aesthetic that continually
spurs on the work of artists and designers.
Accompanying the travelling exhibition “Hidden Heroes: The Genius of
Everyday Things” is an online exhibition of the same name. Both the real
and virtual exhibitions can be experienced independently as stand-alone
projects while at the same time complementing one another in an ideal
manner: The travelling exhibition with its special layouts and and
engaging three-dimensional exhibits, staged in multimedia presentations
by Dieter Thiel. And the online exhibition with a wealth of images,
information and interactive elements. In both cases, there is much to
discover.
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays: 1-5pm
On 12 and 13 June 2015 Dr. Jochen Eisenbrand, Chief Curator of Vitra
Design Museum and curator of the exhibition “Hidden Heroes”, will hold a
key note lecture at the Dublin Design Seminar and give a talk about the
exhibition.
For further information follow this link.