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 the second episode you meet Petra and Simone, the duo behind Social Label. With Social Label they work through design with meaning on a new view on work, participation and living together. They create special products together with top designers and people with a distance to the labor market.
How do Petra and Simone relate to the ideas of Victor Papanek?
Thanks to Smart Media Productions for the production 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.
Minitopia
In this series of videos, contemporary designers respond to quotes from Victor Papanek to find out whether his ideas are still relevant. Tessa and Rolf from Minitopia create innovative, sustainable residential locations, in which there is plenty of room for solidarity and togetherness.
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.
