Illusive Objects

Our brains identify what we see in a fraction of a second, but our eyes can deceive us—sometimes by design. This exhibition explores the pleasures and pitfalls of illusive objects, things that are not as they seem. The installation brings together more than 50 works drawn from the Goldstein’s permanent collection—apparel, jewelry, ceramics, products, furniture, and textiles—organized in three sections: Trick of the Eye, Borrowed Time, and Material Masquerade. Visitors will encounter garments rarely on view, including a Fortuny “Delphos” gown and Schiaparelli “bark” dress, alongside unlikely neighbors, such as a Corn King casserole, Davy Crockett hat, knockoff handbags, and 2008 iPhone 3G. Across themes of perception, imitation, reproduction, and authenticity, the curators invite consideration of design motives and our varying roles in meaning-making.

GMD Guest Speaker | Aimee Lagos on Wallpaper:
Join the Goldstein Museum of Design for a presentation by Aimee Lagos, co-founder of locally-based Hygge & West, on her work in wallpaper design and development. The talk will be preceded by an introduction to the history and illusive properties of wallpaper by GMD director Aidan O’Connor.

This program will be offered in person, streamed online, and recorded for later viewing on the GMD YouTube channel.

Registration is encouraged for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Registering ensures you’ll receive event updates, including any weather-related changes, and provides access to the live-stream link for virtual participation.

GMD Faculty Talk | Digital Ceramics Lab:
Faculty researchers Molly Reichert, Jessica Rossi-Mastracci, and May SunMin Hwang will discuss their recent research entitled Ecosystem Shifts: Digitally Fabricated Ceramic Structures for Aquatic Restoration. The project is supported by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis.

The lab-along with its tools, ideas, and workflows-has been integrated into coursework, blending intensive material practice with computational workflows and robotic fabrication. It offers a beautifully holistic way to teach students the value of materiality as they move from digital to physical, while also modeling a more circular, sustainable approach to additive manufacturing. Unlike plastic 3D printing, unfired clay 3D prints can be reconstituted and reused-closing the loop in both process and material.

This will be the first public presentation of this research. The program will be offered in person, streamed online, and recorded for later viewing on the GMD YouTube channel.

Registration is encouraged for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Registering ensures you’ll receive event updates, including any weather-related changes, and provides access to the live-stream link for virtual participation.

Gallery Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Closed Saturday, Sunday, & Monday