Anthem Magazine

MoMA’s new exhibition, Design and the Elastic Mind, seems like it would be more at home within the Cooper-Hewitt—or, for that matter, a science museum for child prodigies. The focus is on that hazy, technical intersection between technology, art, and modern design, and you’d be well advised to chug your flaxseed oil before wandering into this one. Featured pieces range from the sensible (an aerodynamic Mercedes-Benz modeled on the natural form of the boxfish) to the absurd (a scientific process in which one can clone the nipple of an ex-girlfriend, for instance, and wear it on your own body as a keepsake). Anthem was a bit upset that the traditional museum “hands off” rule was in firm effect here, since certain pieces—like “PainStation,” a video game console that affects actual physical discomfort when you lose—begged to be touched. But we still delighted in having our minds expanded by concepts like “in-vitro cloned meat” that would enable even vegans to turn into guilt-free carnivores, or the intensely awesome, precious “Sketch Furniture” from Sweden.

Two other highlights riffed on the concept of urban space and virtual graffiti. Troika Collective’s “SMS Guerrilla Projector” is a hand-held weapon with which to project text messages on large public surfaces. Another projector-based project from Graffiti Research Lab lets savvy taggers scribble on a skyscraper if they feel like it—letting their message be heard without technically breaking the law or damaging property.

Meanwhile, don’t miss PopRally’s March 1st DFA Dance Party at MoMA, where Juan Maclean, Holy Ghost and more will be spinning. Open bar booze will flow freely, and revelers will get a sneak peek at “Color Chart,” a new exhibition featuring work from Jim Lambie, Damien Hirst, Gerhard Richter, and more. Snag your $10 tickets here; check back later for Anthem’s own coverage of the event.