Posted on Thursday, November 8th, 2012 by Masha Arbisman
In a nod to the increasing power of children as consumers and their relationship with innovation, MoMa (the Museum of Modern Art, New York) has launched an exhibition and brilliant, interactive website to help you get acquainted with kids’ products from past to present.
From the period of 1960s to 2000s, with influences by World War II and the Cold War, Children have become a very big influence on adult consumption and have gained power to their own consumption. This new MoMa exhibition (Century of the Child) showcases modern childhood and modern design and pushes the problems of today’s material world for youth. In no time you’ll be examining how children’s journeys have inspired books, toys, playgrounds, psychology, and so much more.
Century of The ChildThe website includes information about the exhibition, family activity guide, a blog, and of course the exhibition itself. Its brilliant, interactive display allows you to click on any part of the exhibition to be able to see further information such as what the artist was thinking, what mediums were used, and ideas the artist hopes you take home with you.
The page is laid out in a timeline manner, you have the ability to click on each time period/ decade which will show what the biggest influences were and which pieces of modern art were inspired by it.
Why come to see it / explore the website:Even if you are not an artist, or just don’t like art in general, I still suggest giving the exhibition a try. Only in this last century was the term “childish” invented. Before the 20th century, children were treated as small adults and were given responsibilities far beyond their control or maturity level. This exhibition explores what we were all given the blessing to try: growing up. Over 500 items dipped in psychological discussion are begging for your input.
