The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto is the site of a unique new exhibition this month that explores the idea of reusing and recycling as a creative pursuit in Canadian design. Taking place in conjunction with the first-ever Toronto International Design Festival this week, “Cut/Paste” showcases the “new” and often upscale work that can result from the manipulation of existing and salvaged product. The process, better known as “creative reuse,” has become one of the most visible trends in contemporary international design, with Canadians like Tobias Wong (whose lamp chair is seen at left) and Douglas Coupland leading the charge. It’s equal parts improvisation and artistic technique, while also speaking to larger themes of environmental sustainability and adaptation to one’s surroundings. With that in mind, the exhibition includes everything from early First Nations adaptations of European products, to the iconic K42 Kettle (first produced in Canada by General Electric in 1940 in response to war time manufacturing restraints), in addition to all the big name artists with work on display.
Manufacturers such as Umbra (with its clock made from old ties found at Goodwill) and Gus* Modern are already finding ways to apply the same “creative reuse” approach to their products, with a focus now on turning around larger production runs. Organizers hope the exhibit will spur similar responses in other manufacturers and casual viewers alike, as we move toward decreasing our consumption of energy and materials, while increasing our artistic output. Organizers also see this as a chance to encourage art in marginalized communities. By utilizing local and reclaimed materials, even impoverished groups can now afford to produce unique designs and creations of their own. The influence of “creative reuse,” organizers say, extends well beyond gallery walls.
“Cut/Paste: Creative Reuse in Canadian Design” is on now and runs until January 31st at the Institute for Contemporary Culture, at the Roloff Beny Gallery inside the Royal Ontario Museum. More details on the exhibition and opening hours can be found on the museum’s website.
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