Disobedient Objects Exhibition - V&A

Art & History

15 Jan

In Protest

'From a Suffragette tea service to protest robots, this exhibition is the first to examine the powerful role of objects in movements for social change. It demonstrates how political activism drives a wealth of design ingenuity and collective creativity that defy standard definitions of art and design. Disobedient Objects focuses on the period from the late 1970s to now, a time that has brought new technologies and political challenges. On display are arts of rebellion from around the world that illuminate the role of making in grassroots movements for social change: finely woven banners; defaced currency; changing designs for barricades and blockades; political video games; an inflatable general assembly to facilitate consensus decision-making; experimental activist-bicycles; and textiles bearing witness to political murders.'

Relevancy

The collection showed how objects were involved in political challenges throughout the 70s to present day. These 'disobedient objects' played a major role in specific changes socially. Changes that happened because people themselves were 'disobedient' they came together and fought for something they believed to be right and show that collectively, people are able to evoke change.

The Space

This art was not created by artists and was sincerely to the point. Most pieces were bold and imaginative, slogans were short but really clever. Some pieces were used in protest to show unity for or against something and will be iconic.

Exhibition - Images

This exhibition was so interesting to me, the pieces displayed had so much power and meaning behind them. Looking at banners made or T-Shirts worn they were never intended to be shown at an art gallery and that is why I liked it so much. The whole atmosphere of the room was different to any kind of art exhibition I have been to, powerful and real. Thought provoking, opinionated, agreeable, memorable and interesting to look at.