Synopsis
Placing the art of design in its sociological and technological context, the DESIGN collection tells the story of the 20th century through the industrial objects that have made their mark on it. The objects reflect their time, while at the same time anticipating the future.
Just like a piece of art, an industrial object is a mirror of its era, though in a more direct and explicit manner than a painting or a sculpture. The industrial object obeys two fundamental criteria : It needs to be functional, perform its task in daily life - and after all must be sold. Therefore, it has to be technically innovative and esthetically pleasant.
The series, rather than explaining last century's objects, uses them to zoom on different periods. Which invites the audience not so much on a tour through museums, but on a journey in time. Archive images illustrate the political, social and cultural situation of a defined chapter from our past, via film extracts, cultural presentations, popular music etc. The history of the object itself, its conception, creators, fabrication and a contemporary frame story join in to build a bridge between the past and the present.
2004 : International Festival of Art Film, Montreal - Best "essai" of the Emile-Nelligan Foundation for the AKARI LAMPS.