Nine students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) present Functional Fiction at the 2nd annual NADA NYC, May 10–12, in booth P-14. SAIC’s first display at NADA, the exhibition is the culmination of The Collectible Object, a two-semester course conceived and taught by SAIC professors Dan Price (Sculpture) and Tim Parsons (Designed Objects). Along with Messy Prototypes, taught by faculty members Tristan d'estreé Sterk and Christine Tarkowski, the class is part of a new school-wide initiative to promote interdisciplinary work at the nexus of art and design.
The display explores the territory between art and design in the marketplace via projects available for purchase—from books to wedding bands to semi-functional “intermediate machines”—that have an oblique relationship with traditional notions of functionality, most being deliberately ambiguous. “Rather than baffling us, the objects invite an exploration of possible uses and interpretations,” notes Tim Parsons. Dan Price says, “The projects created for this exhibition succeed in negotiating the complicated territory between craft and concept. Specific and bold, they appeal to the senses and playfully superimpose the logic of pattern and structure against a creeping instability.”
“Functional Fiction is a confident new iteration of the interdisciplinary tradition at SAIC,” says Lisa Wainwright, SAIC Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “In the way this project interrogates disciplinary norms, it is a perfect match for NADA NYC and the fair's own commitment to reinventing the experience and presentation of art."
Functional Fiction is online at saic.edu/functionalfiction. Participating students include Melissa Arielle Callender, Adam Chau, Andrea Rose Chiu, Jasmine Lee, Nalisha Chouraria, Sarah M. Doonan, Sky White, Tyler Willis, and Zeke Raney. High-resolution press images from the project, participant bios, essays by the instructors, and additional materials are available by contacting John Eding.
SAIC at NADA NYC: Functional Fiction
May 10–12
Booth P-14, Pier 36 at Basketball City, 299 South Street
Friday 2:00–8:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
saic.edu/functionalfiction
About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to more than 3,200 students from around the globe. SAIC also provides adults, high school students, and children with the opportunity to flourish in a variety of courses, workshops, certificate programs, and camps through its Continuing Studies program. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit saic.edu.
Download Release (printer-friendly version): Functional Fiction Press Release.
Nine SAIC students bring a new exhibition to the 2nd annual NADA NYC, May 10–12.
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