Organic Design, MoMA 1940. The Breath of Modernity Arrives in Latin America

Abstract

Abstract

In 1940 MoMA New York Museum, called the cpuntry’s designers to present their best furniture designs inspired in the new trend of organic design. Also, for the first time, designers of another twenty Latin American countries were invited to participate in a contest with the hope they would reflect the identity of their region through forms and materials to express their progress in design and that could even be commercialized in the United States. This text analyzes the group of participants, shows the progress of design in each of their countries, the prize expectations, and the subsequent events which showed the reality and the possibilities of USA and Latin America.

Keywords:

historia hegemónica

microhistoria

modernismo

pioneros del diseño

Hegemonic history

micro history

modernism

design pioneers

References

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Albums, [album.item]. Competition pamphlet and entry form: “Industrial Design Competition for the 21 American Republics” [Oct. 1940], The Museum of Modern Art Archives, New York.

Bruce, G. (2006). Eliot Noyes, a pioneer of design and architecture in the age of American Modernism. London: Phaidon Press.

Jackson, L. (1991). The New Look. Design in the Fifties. New York: Thames and Hudson.

Kaufmann Jr., E. (1950). Prize Designs for Modern Furniture for the International Competition for Low-cost Furniture Design. Catalog. New York: The Museum of Modern Art.

Noyes, E. (1941). Organic Design in home furnishings. Catalog. New York: The Museum of Modern Art.

Pulos, Arthur J. (1988). The American Design Adventure. Massachusetts: MIT Press.

Salinas F., O. (1992). Historia del diseño industrial. México: Trillas

_______ (2001). Clara Porset: Una vida inquieta, una obra sin igual. México: UNAM.

Salinas F., O, et al________. (2006). Clara Porset Design, creating a modern México. México: Turner / Museo Franz Mayer / UNAM.