Design has always been a reflection of culture, history, and tradition. While Western design has long focused on simplicity, functionality, and clarity, non-European traditions offer a rich tapestry of complex codes and alternative perspectives. The exhibition “Reverberations: Lineages in Design History” at the Ford Foundation Gallery in Manhattan challenges the hegemony of Western design by showcasing the pulse of design across Indigenous, Black, and historically marginalized cultures.
One of the key themes of the exhibition is the decentering of anthropocentric perspectives in design. Through the use of Tlingit formline raven masks, the exhibition grounds creation narratives in Indigenous cosmology. The father-son duo of Nathan P. Jackson and Jackson Polys present two contrasting interpretations of the raven mask, embodying light and transformation in both physical and digital forms.
The show also explores the intersection of tradition and contemporary design. Artists like Melissa Cody disrupt Navajo geometric abstractions with digital glitches, creating a beautiful collision of ancestral code and modern interference. Similarly, Sarah Sockbeson’s sweetgrass basket seamlessly weaves tradition and functionality, showcasing the enduring relevance of Indigenous design practices.
The exhibition delves into alternative knowledge-keeping and historical mapping, dislocating design from traditional power structures. Pieces like the “Lukasa Memory Board” by the Luba people and William Villalongo and Shraddha Ramani’s map “Black Migration ½” challenge Eurocentric narratives and offer new perspectives on history and identity.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Jeffrey Gibson’s pyramid sculpture “Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House,” which celebrates Indigenous sovereignty and challenges stereotypes of Indigenous design capabilities. By honoring the Mississippian metropolis of Cahokia, Gibson pays tribute to the intricate industrial feats of prehistoric engineering and organized labor.
“Reverberations: Lineages in Design History” redefines the narrative of design, highlighting the pluralistic nature of creativity and the interconnectedness of cultures. By dismantling the myth of a singular design lineage, the exhibition presents a world where design is fluid, relational, and constantly evolving. It invites viewers to see design not as a static entity, but as a dynamic force that reflects the diversity and richness of human experience.
The exhibition will be on display at the Ford Foundation Gallery until May 3 and is curated by Brian Johnson and Silas Munro. It is a reminder that design is not just about aesthetics, but a reflection of our collective history, values, and aspirations.
