confirmed
New York
2012, December, 11
2012, December, 11
A little background: I have recently launched a new MoMA initiative in Research & Development, which will explore the role, potential, and responsibilities of museums--MoMA in particular--with the vision of establishing museums as the R&D Department of society. Part of this initiative is a series of salons on themes that are relevant to both MoMA and the world outside, that straddle physical and digital, that are part of the experience of artists and visitors alike.
The goal of these gatherings is to generate a lively discussion that will help shape R&D and will inform the museum and its program. Our first event examined the theme of "curation" and culminated in an enriching collage of diverse perspectives (you can read about it here: http://hyperallergic.com/58735/paola-antonelli-curation-panel/). Of course, with your help, I hope to make the November 19th Salon an even greater success.
Now, about the theme, Focus vs. Distraction. Focus has become a valuable commodity. Every day, there is a new article or book lamenting the loss of focus and the distracting onslaught of digitally-delivered and -enhanced information. Rather than fall in with the mourners, I am interested in examining this issue obliquely, by pulling in various perspectives, also because museums can be used in either direction, as both laser targets and rabbit holes, as rooms for pause, contemplation, concentration, or escape.
At each salon, I give a short introduction to the evening's subject and then bring together 4 guests to talk briefly (10 minutes max) about their position on the topic du jour. My role is to listen, moderate, and move the discussion along. The audience will be a small group of not necessarily like-minded, but certainly smart and opinionated people (140 or so designers, artists, museum colleagues, trustees, makers, and thinkers) and because everyone is hand-picked, the interactions will prove to be high quality and rewarding for all.
I would be delighted and honored if you could participate. I am sure that your insights into the Focus/Distraction realm will be priceless. I know that you must be very busy but this would hopefully be an opportunity for you to talk about matters that interest you.
I will be standing by, hoping to hear from you.
Warmly,
Paola Antonelli