This is the question the Milwaukee art museum wants us the ask ourselves. According to this article from the Associated Press, the museum's latest exhibition "European Design Since 1985: Shaping the New Century" features hundreds of "mass-produced everyday items." So what sets these items apart from all the other tables and sponges and vacuums? What allows them to be viewed in a museum as fine art? I would argue that these items gain special recognition because they refuse to answer the prior question. It seems the designers of these products were driven by artistic concept as well as function.
Take the Dyson Vacuum:
The design is obviously eye-catching. The juxtaposition of rounded and straight edges as well as the bright yellow and muted gray colors give the vacuum a very unique, intriguing look. It is apparent that it was designed with visual appeal in mind, however almost every piece of this "art" is also a part of the bigger, functional item. The large yellow sphere at the base adds to the (dare I say) beauty of the item while also allowing the user to maneuver the device more easily.
So to those who may scoff at this exhibit, or are just plain confused, I would say that these items are products of design, and design at its best is a product of art. The designers of the items in this exhibit have expressed an ability to focus equally on function and fashion, to use their creative eyes as well as their technical eyes. I cant think of a more appropriate place for these works of art than an art museum- except maybe a consumer's hands.
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