Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design

September 02, 2023 – August 25, 2024

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art announces Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, an exhibition that examines how design can be elegant and innovative while also responsible and respectful of other ecosystems. On view in the Museum’s street-level gallery from September 2, 2023, through August 25, 2024, this exhibition of approximately 80 contemporary design works from MoMA’s collection looks at how some 40 designers are considering the full life-cycles of materials—from extraction all the way to recycling, upcycling, or disposal. The exhibition investigates the fundamental role design can play in translating current environmental considerations into sophisticated and informed responses.

Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design is organized by Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator, and Maya Ellerkmann, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Architecture and Design.

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.

Leadership support is provided by Eva and Glenn Dubin.

Additional funding 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, 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.

The Bloomberg Connects digital experience is made possible through the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Press Kit

Images

Important: By downloading images you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity of The Museum of Modern Art's and MoMA PS1's current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and news announcements. Permission to use images is granted only to the extent of the Museum's and MoMA PS1's ownership rights relating to those images—the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. The images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.

Fernando Laposse. Totomoxtle. 2017. Corn husk panels. © Fernando Laposse

Fernando Laposse. Totomoxtle. 2017. Hanging corn husk. © Fernando Laposse

Fernando Laposse. Totomoxtle. Separating the cob from the husks. 2017. © Fernando Laposse

Caroline Slotte. Damaged Goods_Piece 1. 2009. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Caroline Slotte

Adhi Nugraha. Cow Dung Lamps. 2021. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. photo: Studio Periphery

Formafantasma. ‘Ore Streams’, Taxonomy. 2018. Video still. © Formafantasma

Hella Jongerius. Extended Jug.1997. The Museum of Modern Art. New York. © Hella Jongerius

Maarten Baas. Sweeper’s Clock. 2009. Video still. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Maarten Baas

nendo, Oki Sato. Cabbage Chair. 2007. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © nendo, Oki Sato

Tord Boontje, Emma Woffenden. “Transglass” Glassware. 1997. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Tord Boontje, Emma Woffenden

Aranda/Lasch, Benjamin Aranda, Chris Lasch, Terrol Dew Johnson Knot. Endless Knot. 2006. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Aranda/Lasch, Terrol Dew Johnson

Aranda/Lasch, Benjamin Aranda, Chris Lasch, Terrol Dew Johnson. Knot Basket 1. 2006. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Aranda/Lasch, Terrol Dew Johnson

Issey Miyake, Dai Fujiwara, A-POC Queen Textile. 1997. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © Issey Miyake, Dai Fujiwara

Installation view of Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design, on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York from September 2, 2023 – July 7, 2024. Photo: Robert Gerhardt.