While this organization of the show is engaging and fairly successful, it does not leave an impact on the viewer (or at least on me, it didn’t). The show looks like it came straight from a design annual review of I.D. Magazine.

Matt Flynn, Air Jordan XIII Sneaker, 1996, Drawing, Concept Design

Also, one of the problems with exhibitions, especially with big-name museums like this one, is that they try to be academic. Probably out of the fear of losing to other institutions as well as their own internal politics, the exhibition tries to present itself as a grandiose show. And it tries a little too hard.

Constantin Boym / Laurene Leon Boym, Strap Chair, 1999, Photo: Elie Posner, Courtesy of The Israel Museum

Another disappointing element was the poor (to say the least) representation of new media. Most of the works in this category in the show from select well-known firms are rather weak, giving print designers another reason to look down on web designers.

Overall, this exhibition is a good show and while it is not mind-blowing, it is worthwhile visiting.

National Design Triennial: Design Culture Now
Date: March 7th – August 6th, 2000
Open: 10:00 – 17:00 (Tuesday till 21:00, Sunday from 12:00)
Closed on Monday
Place: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Address: 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128
Admission: $ 8.00
Tel: +1 212 8498400
https://www.si.edu/ndm/