This October 19th to 30th at the Ace Hotel New York, the Be Original Americas: Originality Deconstructed exhibition will be on view and will celebrate creativity by pulling back the curtain on the “how” and “why” of some of the international design industry’s most iconic products, demystifying what goes into their conception. The showcase commemorates Be Original Americas’ 10th anniversary and incorporates physical designs, disassembled elements and raw materials by members Emeco, Flos, Louis Poulsen and Suzanne Tick.
The exhibit was conceived by independent design writer and curator Adrian Madlener with the generous support of Ace Hotel and exhibition Imaginative Sponsor Lumens, with plans to launch similar showcases at Ace Hotel Palm Springs and Los Angeles in 2023.
Lumens CEO Laura Walsh said the company was honored to be a sponsor of Originality Deconstructed and to partner with Be Original Americas because of their joint commitment to the authenticity of design. “This traveling exhibition is a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain and discover the whys and how's of great design. We're so excited to learn more about the process behind so many of the brands that Lumens is proud to carry," she said.
With woven tapestries, stacked pendants, luminaires, monumental floor lamps, forged ergonomic chairs and several other iconic designs, the showcase offers an in-depth look into different aspects of production that few ever have a chance to witness. By uncovering the various facets of production, the exhibition allows visitors to better understand issues surrounding sustainability—how materials are sourced and processed—and the challenges of copyrighting design. Brands are increasingly confronted with the new realities of the digital marketplace and continue to see their most important items copied by nefarious parties seeking to capitalize on their success. What goes into ensuring the authenticity of a carefully conceived and meticulously manufactured object, especially those with historical significance?
The capsule exhibition is presented as two cabinets of curiosity wall displays incorporating the various components of the iconic products in question. A series of complementary videos from Bernhardt Design, Emeco, Flos, Louis Poulsen, Lumens and Modern Metal Designs offer even more insight into what goes on behind the scenes and how leading industry players pay close attention to every step of manufacturing.
A panel discussion entitled Let’s Get Real: A Discussion about Counterfeit Design—held on October 18th at Ace Hotel New York from 7 to 8 pm—seeks to highlight how brands and designers are counteracting the effects of the counterfeit market. What are the challenges in maintaining the integrity of their products or services in an age defined by social media and unfettered exposure? The talk will bring together the invaluable perspectives of exhibitors, Be Original Americas members, and sponsors: Suzanne Tick (Artist, CEO & Creative Director, Tick Studio); Ricardo Nabholz (Managing Associate & Creative Director, TPG Architecture); Alev Oztas (President & CEO, Emeco) and Ann Petersen (Director, Brand & Trade Marketing, Lumens).
Be Original Americas is a non-profit creative advocacy committed to informing, educating, and influencing manufacturers, artisans, design professionals, and consumers about the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design. beoriginalamericas.com
