The exhibition ‘Victor Papanek: The Politics of Design’ is about the ideas and work of the visionary designer, critic and activist Victor Papanek (1923-1998). His famous book “Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change” (1971) represents a radical vision of design in which sustainability and social justice are more important than consumption and commerce.
But how are we doing half a century later? Are contemporary designers still (or again) working on these themes? In this series of videos, designers respond to quotes from Victor Papanek to find out whether his ideas are still relevant.
In this first episode you meet Tessa and Rolf, the initiators of Minitopia. They help create innovative, sustainable residential locations, in which there is plenty of room for solidarity and togetherness. These homes are often compact, durable, flexible, ready-made or modular. How do they relate to the ideas of Victor Papanek?
Thanks to Smart Media Productions for the making of this series.
More Videos
De Academie voor Beeldvorming
In this series of videos, contemporary designers respond to quotes from Victor Papanek to find out if his ideas are still relevant. Klaas and Maybe of the Academie voor Beeldvorming use art to tackle social issues and to change the image around them.
Social Label
In this series of videos, contemporary designers respond to quotes from Victor Papanek to find out if his ideas are still relevant. Petra and Simone from Social Label develop design together with top designers and people with a distance to the labor market.
All of Papanek’s ideas at a glance
Alison J. Clark, the exhibition’s co-curator, presents the ‘Big Character’ poster, which shows at a glance what Papanek’s social and design criticism was all about.
Fingermajig: toy for a better world
Alison J. Clark, the exhibition’s co-curator, reflects on a seemingly unassuming toy, the ‘Fingermajig’. She shows how inclusive design can lead the way to a more democratic and equal society.
Hyperface
Alison J. Clark, the exhibition’s co-curator, shows a beautiful silk scarf printed with a motif intended to confuse facial recognition software. It’s the designer’s way of criticizing how governments and corporations are using this technology.
