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Collection by Allie Weiss

The Design Community that Defines New York City

A biennial at New York's MAD Museum, open through October 12, 2014, explores the rich design community of New York City—a group whose creations set the tone of the ever-shifting city. "It’s expensive to have space to produce and make one’s work in New York City," says curator Jake Yuzna. "Those who choose to come to NYC, and/or stay in NYC, fight against that tide—they strive to change the cultural landscape of the city, and through their adaptive practices, are doing it." Click through the slideshow for a look at some of the pieces on view.

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Disclaim Bolt N.14.6 by BFAMFAPhD BFAMFAPhD is a collaborative that works to address the constrains of rent, debt, and precarity on creative people. In one project (pictured), disclaimed paintings were sewn together and used to make motorcycle jackets. "The culture of making is immense," says Yuzna. "In the work of BFAMFAPhD, we get a sense of the incredible numbers of these 'creative workers': there are over 1.3 million people in the United States who have degrees in the arts—that’s more than doctors, lawyers, and firefighters combined."
Disclaim Bolt N.14.6 by BFAMFAPhD BFAMFAPhD is a collaborative that works to address the constrains of rent, debt, and precarity on creative people. In one project (pictured), disclaimed paintings were sewn together and used to make motorcycle jackets. "The culture of making is immense," says Yuzna. "In the work of BFAMFAPhD, we get a sense of the incredible numbers of these 'creative workers': there are over 1.3 million people in the United States who have degrees in the arts—that’s more than doctors, lawyers, and firefighters combined."
Vigilant Floral wallpaper by Flavor Paper, Jesse Hlebo, and Carlos Benaim "Carlos created a new scent that was [meant to embody] the 'scent of 100 makers’ creativity,'" Yuzna says. "It builds up layers as you walk up the stairwells of the museum. [Artist] Jesse then used these layers as inspiration to recognize the creative communities that make NYC so special."
Vigilant Floral wallpaper by Flavor Paper, Jesse Hlebo, and Carlos Benaim "Carlos created a new scent that was [meant to embody] the 'scent of 100 makers’ creativity,'" Yuzna says. "It builds up layers as you walk up the stairwells of the museum. [Artist] Jesse then used these layers as inspiration to recognize the creative communities that make NYC so special."
Geometrics, Figures and Solids Table by Misha Kahn Other works on view include this cement table by Brooklyn-based designer Misha Kahn.
Geometrics, Figures and Solids Table by Misha Kahn Other works on view include this cement table by Brooklyn-based designer Misha Kahn.
Volcano by Steven and William Ladd Brothers Steven and William Ladd create what they call Towers, stacks of approximately 24 hand sewn boxes constructed of fabric and found materials. Volcano (pictured) tells the story of the brothers' efforts to achieve extreme fitness.
Volcano by Steven and William Ladd Brothers Steven and William Ladd create what they call Towers, stacks of approximately 24 hand sewn boxes constructed of fabric and found materials. Volcano (pictured) tells the story of the brothers' efforts to achieve extreme fitness.
Brooms by Fredericks and Mae Design duo Fredericks and Mae contributed their quirky horsehair brooms.
Brooms by Fredericks and Mae Design duo Fredericks and Mae contributed their quirky horsehair brooms.
Pink Perch by UM Project This sculptural object by designer François Chambard doubles as a playable musical instrument.
Pink Perch by UM Project This sculptural object by designer François Chambard doubles as a playable musical instrument.
An installation view of the biennial. The elevator bank is covered in a metallic fringe by Confetti System.
An installation view of the biennial. The elevator bank is covered in a metallic fringe by Confetti System.