By Shawn Williams

DESIGN DATEBOOK: November 21–27, 2019

Updated: Jul 30, 2021

A look at confinement through the lens of art, Ghana focuses on affordable housing, and a celebration of textile design history.

Tehching Hsieh, Cage Piece Series: One-Year Performances, 1978-1979 Poster, statement, witness statement, and three Gelatin Silver Prints. Courtesy of the artist and Sean Kelly Gallery, New York


 

 

Confinement: Politics of Space Bodies  
 
Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th St., Cincinnati

Perceptions of physical and mental liberties are explored in this upcoming exhibit, which features a variety of multi-disciplinary artists, including Irving Penn, Graciela Iturbide, and Bruce Nauman, each portraying their slightly different take on confinement through painting, photography, and sculpture. CAC’s exhibit forces viewers to consider how they might experience confinement themselves, be it clear and involuntary or subtly self-imposed. (November 22 – March 1, 2020; times vary, free)

Ghana Architecture and Design Festival 
 
Various locations in Ghana

Centering on the theme Living Spaces, this year’s celebration of architecture and design in Ghana will highlight more than 100 of the country’s designers, architects, and artists and explore ideas and models related to affordable housing and reducing the housing deficit in Ghana. (November 22–24; times and prices vary)

Pattern and Process: Selections from the Kravet Archive
 
NYSID Gallery, 170 E. 70th St., New York

This month marks the final chance to marvel at the history and artistry of textile design via the comprehensive textile archive from Bethpage, N.Y.-based fabric and furnishing brand Kravet. Brimming with more than 80 samples, plus paintings, artifacts, and other historic documents, Pattern and Process celebrates the complexity and mastery of textile workers since 200 B.C. (Open to the public through November 27; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 

Image on the homepage: Graciela Iturbide Untitled, El Bañode Frida Kahlo, Coyoacan, Mexico, Series: Frida’s Bathroom, 2007, Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of ROSEGALLERY


The Design Datebook is GRAY’s weekly list of must-attend design and cultural events around the world. For additional events, visit our calendar.