AD 20/21 in Boston, Part II: From Graffiti Art to the One Shot Stool

Heather and Kathryn from the Marketing Department with Kathy, Robin, and Elizabeth from the American & European Works of Art Department at Skinner, Inc.

As an art appraiser and appreciator, I’ve always enjoyed AD 20/21: Art & Design of the 20th & 21st Centuries. This year, the show has moved beyond just modern design and prints to feature more contemporary art than I’ve seen in the past. The show is open from March 15– 18, 2012 at the Boston Center for the Arts

Last night, I stopped in with my colleagues, Kathy Wong and Elizabeth Haff, for a visit. We saw too many wonderful and beautiful things to describe in one blog post, but a few of our favorites were found in the booths for Artists for Humanity and Room 68.

At Artists for Humanity, a dress made out of Vitamin Water labels pulled me in for a closer look. The clever design and unusual material reminded me of the reality show Project Runway. In fact, the dress was made for Fashion Week in Boston.

Artists for Humanity is a group that provides underprivileged high school kids with art employment opportunities. These young people work on design projects, logo development, and fine art projects, and many go on to graduate from art school and continue working in the arts.

On the back wall of their booth, I was intrigued by two works that almost looked cubist, with a graffiti-like feel. It turns out that a couple of the kids in the program were indeed graffiti artists, so their mentors encouraged them to take that style, and create a piece that looks like graffiti without words.

Room 68 showed off concepts in contemporary design, including everything from the One Shot Stool by Patrick Jouin to cleverly designed vases, ceramics, and textiles. The moving parts of the stool were all cut from a single piece of material, and like an umbrella, it folds up into an easy shape for carrying.

Although the objects on display at the show many be on the pricier side for some, Kathy Wong looked online after the show and discovered that their prices for design accessories start at a very affordable $15.

We all appreciated the integration between fine art, design, and prints, and with such a range of styles and prices, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Have you been to the show? Let us know in the comments or on the American & European Works of Art Facebook page which booth was your favorite.

Jane Prentiss, Director of 20th Century Design at Skinner, Inc. enjoyed the show as well. Here are her impressions.