With the exhibition FALTEN (German for folds or wrinkles), the MAK Asia Collection deciphers the complexity of the phenomenon of Falten with regard to technical, creative, physical, symbolic, and cultural dimensions. The transmedially conceived show illuminates Falten in multiple perspectives from the viewpoints of the history of design, culture, and ideas as well as cultural anthropology. Starting from a comprehensive concept, Falten are presented not only in the form of fabric designs and as a design method. They are also discussed as cultural practices and as a topos of aesthetic distinction in order to show their broad facets as a cultural technique and their philosophical-symbolic dimensions. A wide range of objects can be seen: from textiles and works on paper to furniture and paintings. The transregional exhibits are partly from the MAK collection and are supplemented by loans.
Central Space MAK DESIGN LAB
Curator: Mio Wakita-Elis, Curator, MAK Asia Collection
Media
Katsushika Hokusai, “The Ghost of Oiwa” (detail), from the series One Hundred Ghost Stories, Japan, 1831/32 © MAK/Georg Mayer & Ladies’ skirt (detail), China, 19th c. Silk, metal thread, cotton © MAK/Aslan Kudrnofsky