Across the ages, scientists, philosophers and writers have pondered the nature of time. And now, The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco presents a compelling exhibit, “Design by Time,” on view through April 25, 2021, that explores how various design objects convey the passage of time.
The diverse exhibition—comprising everything from lighting fixtures to fashion to furnishings—showcases works by 22 artists and collaboratives from eight countries.
On display will be London-based German artist Nicole Wermers’ Shell Ashtray. “Smoking has always held a great fascination for me, even now as recovering smoker,” Wermers says. “I am interested in its association with the bohemian idea of wasting time, money and one’s youth in a big city, which includes cafe culture.”
British designer Tim Simpson and Dutch designer Sarah van Gameren of Glithero, also based in London, have contributed a Blueware Tiles mural, created using photosensitive emulsion. “In this case, the emulsion turns blue when exposed to light, also known as a blueprint or cyanotype,” Simpson says. “The botanicals depicted in the piece are foraged, pressed and then photographically captured onto the surface by light. The more light, the bluer the tiles get. The tiles have what all photographs have—they capture a moment in time.”
