Humble Masterpieces: Everyday Marvels Of Design

Description

Every day we use dozens of tiny objects, from Post-It notes to Band-Aids. If they work well, chances are we do not pay them much attention. But although modest in size and price, some of these objects are true masterpieces of the art of design. Did you know: that M & Ms were used by soldiers going into battle who needed a quick pick-me-up (hence the durable candy shell that prevented melting)?, that the infamous daisy pattern on Chupa Chup lollipops was designed by one of the major figures of the twentieth century, Salvador Dali? Paola Antonelli, curator of the Museum of Modern Art's Department of Design and Architecture, is a highly celebrated figure in the world of design (she was just ranked among the top 100 most powerful people in the world of art). Paola has long been passionate about the subject of everyday objects that are marvels of design. Now, in this colourful visual feast, Antonelli chooses 100 fabulous objects, from Chupa Chup lollipops to Legos to Chopsticks and Scotch tape. Each object will be portrayed with a gorgeous close-up detail, a brisk and informative text on its origin and special design features, as well as a silhouette image of the object as we see it each day. Certain to appeal to a broad audience and to lend itself to fun, creative promotional opportunities, "Humble Masterpieces" will celebrate the possibility of looking at our everyday lives in an all-new way.

One of the world's foremost design experts (recently rated as one of the top 100 most powerful people in the world of art), Paola Antonelli joined the Museum of Modern Art in 1994 and is a curator in the Department of Architecture and Design. Antonelli has curated several architecture and design exhibitions in Italy, France, and Japan. She has been a contributing editor for Domus magazine and the Design Editor for Abitare.

"A heartening read."--New York Times "A must-have compendium for the aesthetic perfectionist in you."--City Page One "Antonelli imbues the text with reverence and passion befitting these revolutionary objects. . . . Visual wonder of a book."--Publishers Weekly "Brilliantly conceived, impeccably executed, comprehensive, authoritative, chockablock with gorgeous photography and fascinating, surprising information."--Kurt Andersen "Cleverly designed."--The Architect's Newspaper "Delightfully illustrated."--Virgina Postrel "Humble Masterpieces, like the designs it highlights, does its job smartly, eloquently, tidily."--Cnn.com "One of those surprising books we never imagined we needed, but we do."--Interior Design "Short but fascinating vignettes on each object's creation or lifecycle. Inspirational."--Business Week Merit Award, Special Trade-General, New York Book Show--No Source