The Shakers: A World in the Making at Vitra Design Museum
The term ‘Shaker style’ has entered common parlance, with many today coveting utilitarian kitchen cabinets, functional objects and simple tools inspired by the beliefs and work ethos of this 18th century Christian sect. 'The Shakers: A World in the Making' examines the enduring influence of the sect's furniture, vernacular architecture and even garments on artists and designers. The exhibition artefacts are drawn from the Weil am Rhein-based museum permanent collection and from the Shaker Museum, presented alongside brand new works by contemporary artists and makers. Formafantasma's exhibition design features a pared-down, modular toolkit of timber, fabric, paper, nails, and thread to construct sub-spaces and displays, in multiple iterations and alluding to the traditional Shaker values of care, repetition, and repair. Christien Meindertsma reflects on the centrality of labour and making to this community by reinterpreting their basketry tradition through a touching, contemporary prototype for a biodegradable coffin, woven from Dutch willow. The accompanying publication includes interviews and thematic essays from leading scholars, including curators and friends of Dzek Zoe Ryan and Hallie Ringle. The graphic design is by London-based studio A Practice for Everyday Life, who also developed Dzek’s original logo and identity.
