VANCOUVER.- This October, the Vancouver Art Gallery presents the world premiere of Massive Change: The Future of Global Design, a groundbreaking exhibition that investigates the capacity, power and promise of design. Massive Change takes a radical look at how rapidly evolving technologies have created the potential for design to affect change on a global scale and how this has placed us at the beginning of a new, unprecedented period of human possibility. Organized by the Gallery in collaboration with Bruce Mau Design and the Institute without Boundaries, this international touring exhibition will be on view in Vancouver October 2, 2004 through January 3, 2005. Massive Change invites us to consider the dramatic impact of design on the world around us and the monumental way that it is changing the way we live, said Kathleen Bartels, Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Vancouver Art Gallery is committed to exploring the connection between artistic creativity and contemporary life and to working with leading voices in the field such as acclaimed designer Bruce Mau.
Posing the question Now that we can do anything what will we do?, Massive Change investigates the virtually unlimited capabilities and resulting ethical dilemmas of design in the contemporary world. Design is one of the most powerful forces at work today, said designer Bruce Mau, who is known for his unique, interdisciplinary approach and acclaimed manifestos Life Style and in collaboration with Rem Koolhaas S,M,L,XL. Design is no longer simply a mechanism for adapting to the world in which we live, but is profoundly affecting change on a global scale.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Gallery will host Massive Change Visionaries featuring innovative thinkers in conversation with Bruce Mau and award-winning journalist Charlie Rose on October 16.
Massive Change translates the ideas communicated in Bruce Maus compelling new design manifesto into a provocative, accessible and immersive experience. The exhibition employs objects, sound, video, still photography, computer and satellite images, interactive technology and three-dimensional constructs over two floors of the Gallery (16,000 sq. ft.) to explore the impact of global design.
Massive Change brings to light extraordinary breakthroughs and discoveries that have transformed our world, as well as those on the horizon that promise profound change. The exhibition is divided into key areas of human activity that constitute the future of global designurbanization, information, the image, movement, manufacturing, energy, materials, markets, the military, wealth and politics, and even life itself.
Unlike traditional design exhibitions that focus on objects and aesthetics Massive Change reflects the scope and dynamism of its subject matter, said Bruce Grenville, Senior Curator at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Design is an art form that is unique in its direct relationship to solving significant social issues. The exhibition reveals Bruce Maus visionary artistry; the physical experience will immerse visitors in a series of powerful, poetic encounters to reveal Massive Change at work in our world.
