The Design Exchange has uncorked its permanent collection and combined iconic examples of Canadian design with contemporary pieces in an exhibition that connects the dots between past and present. Running through October 10, Bent Out of Shape features famous pieces like Jacques Guillon’s Cord Chair and Thor Hansen’s Geese in Flight textile (below, both 1950s) alongside coveted contemporary pieces like the Brothers Dressler’s OnEdge lounge chair and Bev Hisey’s In the Woods carpet (above).
Curator AnneMarie Minardi, below, kindly walked me through the exhibit prior to a launch party Thursday evening (July 15); she is pictured beside Waclaw and Stykolt Czerwinski, and Hilary Stratford’s Lounge Chair and beneath Propellor Design’s Meridian series pendant lights.
“I’ve been here for a few years and I’ve always gone through the collection wishing I could do a show this large,” says Minardi. “Then the challenge was how to make it modern and contemporary.”
One innovation employed by the gallery is the inclusion of QR codes with each object; just scan the code with a smart phone to launch a DX webpage with all the pertinent designer info.
“We’re utilizing a really new technology to access information about much older objects,” the curator observes.
Although many of the contemporary furnishings push the boundaries of affordability — “They’re produced in small scale runs, which means they don’t benefit from the economies of scale” notes Minardi — there are everyday items like Umbra’s ubiquitous Garbino trash can: “The fact that it’s so inexpensive and widely available is part of what has made it so iconic,” she adds.
WHERE/WHEN: Bent Out of Shape at the DX (234 Bay Street, 416.363.6121) until October 10; adults $10, students and seniors $8, DX members free.
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