The New Millennium: Themes in Contemporary Design 2000-Present

About

The new millennium has witnessed the production of an extraordinary diversity of design objects, not only visually and conceptually, but also in terms of materials and techniques. The V&A collections provide the starting point for investigating themes in contemporary design, from the focus on the handmade to the use of 3D printing, from preoccupation with function and sustainability, to enthusiasm for ornament and historical reference. These varied developments will be discussed within a global context and against the wider social and cultural background. The use of narrative in objects, which challenges the boundaries between art and design, will be a particular focus of this exploration of contemporary practice.