Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America, 1940–1980

The Museum of Modern Art announces Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America, 1940–1980, the first exhibition by a major American museum to examine modern design in the region on a broad scale. On view from March 8 through September 22, 2024, the exhibition will focus on six countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela—that spearheaded the development of modern domestic design in Latin America. Through some 150 objects, including furniture, graphic design, textiles, ceramics, and photography, drawn from MoMA’s collection and from public and private collections across the US, Latin America, and Europe, the exhibition will demonstrate how the field of design in Latin America provides a valuable platform for examining and understanding larger political, social, and cultural transformations in the region.

The Museum of Modern Art presenta Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America, 1940–1980, la primera exposición en uno de los museos más importantes de Estados Unidos en examinar el diseño moderno de la región a gran escala. La exposición, que se podrá visitar del 8 de marzo al 22 de septiembre de 2024, se centra en seis países (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Venezuela) que compartieron procesos similares de modernización y encabezaron el desarrollo del diseño doméstico moderno en América Latina. A través de alrededor de 150 objetos, que incluyen muebles, diseño gráfico, textiles, cerámica y fotografía, procedentes de la colección del MoMA y de colecciones públicas y privadas de Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa, la exposición mostrará cómo el campo del diseño en América Latina ofrece una valiosa plataforma para examinar y comprender transformaciones políticas, sociales y culturales más amplias en la región.

Organized by Ana Elena Mallet, guest curator, with Amanda Forment, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art. 

The exhibition is made possible by Allianz, MoMA’s partner for design and innovation, and supporter of programs that look to a more sustainable future.

Generous funding is provided by The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art. 

Additional support for the exhibition is provided by the Annual Exhibition Fund. Leadership contributions to the Annual Exhibition Fund, in support of the Museum’s collection and collection exhibitions, are generously provided by the Sandra and Tony Tamer Exhibition Fund, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Jerry I. Speyer and Katherine G. Farley, Eva and Glenn Dubin, the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Kenneth C. Griffin, Alice and Tom Tisch, the Marella and Giovanni Agnelli Fund for Exhibitions, Mimi Haas, The David Rockefeller Council, The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz, Kathy and Richard S. Fuld, Jr., The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art, Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis, Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder, and The Junior Associates of The Museum of Modern Art. Major contributions to the Annual Exhibition Fund are provided by The Sundheim Family Foundation.