iArt4KidzBlog: Toys and Objects for Kids at MOMA

Museum of Modern Art, New York City -

Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900-2000

MOMA's blockbuster exhibition, Century of the Child is on view until November 5, 2012. Referencing a book Swedish social theorist Ellen Key wrote in 1900 predicting that the coming century would see a new interest in the rights and concerns of children, this exhibition chronicles the emphasis on design and progressive thinking that marked a century of great change for everyone. The exhibit and online resources for this exhibit are rich, wide and deep. Much more than I will address here. There were a few objects/media included in the show that were especially meaningful to me.

MOMA, 11 West 53rd Street, NYC

Big Table and Chair

This exhibit is not really for children, certainly not young children. There are numerous events that are kid-centric, but the presentation are clearly for adults. A very clever technique is used to prepare adults to immerse themselves into the world of a child (again). A very large table and two chairs are placed at the entrance of the exhibit. This over sized table and chair set were designed by Peter Opsvik in 1972. Visitors are encouraged to be photographed in the chairs. A great way to invite adult visitors to a child-sized frame of mind. I loved it, I am good at channeling my 5 year old self.

Link to video about the chair and its designer.

Also in this entry way was marvelous footage of a child riding a bicycle in a large wheel...sort of. Hard to describe and difficult to find reference to in the extensive web presence for this exhibit. Please look for it (rather hard to miss) if you get to the show. On the wall behind the big chair, the film shows a small child riding a bicycle-like device in what appears to be the inside of a large hoop. Please let me know if you find a reference to this short film anywhere.

Photography was prohibited in the exhibit, but this tumblr site has 100 objects from the exhibit. I want to focus on the two media additions I found the most compelling. I have spent many years creating animations and was not surprised when one of the highlights of the exhibit for me was this animation.

EVERY CHILD
National Film Board of Canada

1979

in association with UNICEF

The National Film Board of Canada, an agency of the Canadian government, has produced over 13,000 productions and won more than 5,000 awards, including twelve Academy Awards. Among these productions are documentaries, animations, alternative drama and digital media. Their body of work is exceptional and I was very pleased to see this wonderful example of their collaboration with UNICEF. Media was produced to commemorate the declarations of the UNICEF about the rights of children. This short animation addresses the theme "Every child has the right for a name and nationality when born." A very cute little baby is repeatedly abandoned until two men at the dump take care of her. That may sound dreary, but it is delightfully upbeat. No dialogue make it appropriate for a world audience.

SHADOW MONSTERS
Philip Worthington

This interactive exhibit was one of the last pieces in the show, and worth more than the price of admission, which at MOMA is pretty steep. As I approached I saw what looked like a large light table (6' x 8') on end in front of a large screen. A young couple were moving their bodies between the light table and the screen. What I was seeing on the screen was clearly related to their bodies and movements....but not in a way I had ever seen shadows before. Spikes were coming off of their bodies and eyes were appearing between their hands. This has to be seen to be appreciated. Upon consultation with game players, I am learning this technology should not have surprised. Regardless, it is delightful and tons of fun.