GeekSugar

Download of the Day: MoMA App For iPhone

GeekSugar — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:00:50 PDT

I already listed this app as one to download this weekend, but thought it was worthy of its own shout-out, in order to dig a little deeper into its features. The free app, which is based around the museum's flagship NYC location, serves as both an information hub for current museum exhibitions, and database of works in MoMA's collection numbering in the tens of thousands. Additionally, users can use the free app to plan a visit to the museum, take multimedia tours, or learn about featured artists and their works.

Not only that, but you can also create virtual postcards in the app to send to friends, snapping photos of the actual pieces or choosing from a selection of preloaded photos. The interface is optimized for viewing on iPhone 4's Retina Display screen, but will work on any iPhone. It's a perfect companion for your next trip to the MoMA, and even if you aren't heading out, a cool app to have on deck to learn about the nations amazing works of art.

Have you found a cool download-worthy treasure you'd like to share with the rest of us? Join the Download of the Day group, where you can submit your favorite downloads, apps, and widgets. Your suggestion could be featured on GeekSugar!

MoMA Acquires "@" Symbol For Its Permanent Collection

GeekSugar — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:45:12 PDT

While it may be hard to believe, the origins of the "@" symbol go far beyond the use in online communication it's become famous for in the past 10 years. And now, the Museum of Modern Art has declared it a work of art. The symbol was added to the American Underwood typewriter in the late 19th century, but its origins date back to as early as the sixth or seventh century. In 1963, "@" was first defined as an abbreviation for the word "at," or "at the rate of" for use in accounting practices. It was used in the first email - in 1971 by electrical engineer Ray Tomlinson - partially because of its "at" connotation, and also because, according to MoMA, "it was already there, on the keyboard, and nobody ever used it."

To find out why MoMA considers the symbol a piece of modern art,

Guess What Store the SFMOMA is Collaborating With?

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:30:06 PST

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is collaborating with a major retailer on a line of eight limited-edition, artist-designed t-shirts, including the one seen here. Can you guess the retailer?

Boombox Bags: Now Available in Peach and Blue

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:05:47 PDT

The mini speaker wristlet bags are back! When I mentioned them way back when, most of you were digging their retro hip style. . . except they quickly sold out and only came in aqua. Well now the MoMA store is rocking them in peach and royal blue hues ($25). For newbies to the boombox bag, it holds all of the essentials - cell phone, lip gloss, keys - and you can even hook it up to your iPod for personal jam sessions. If you like these, be sure to have a peek at the Podblaster too.

Ron Arad Exhibit Opens at MoMA

CasaSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:05 PDT

From Aug. 2 through Oct. 19, catch a new exhibition highlighting the work of designer Ron Arad at the MoMA in New York. Ron Arad: No Discipline showcases the work of this powerhouse designer. From chandeliers to architectural spaces and furniture, Arad's unwillingness to stay within one design discipline has helped him to succeed in many.

Paola Antonelli, the MoMA's senior curator notes that:

Arad is well known for his iconoclastic disregard for disciplines - and, at least apparently, for discipline. He has defined much of the current panorama of design, inspiring a generation of practitioners who disregard established modes of practice in favor of mutant design careers that are flexible enough to encompass the range of contemporary design applications, from interactions and interfaces to furniture and shoes.

To find out more about the exhibition, and to see some of Arad's commercially available work,

read more. Featuring around 140 of Arad's industrial designs, studio pieces, and architecture, the exhibit showcases the designer's mastery of different mediums, including fiberoptics, thermoplastics, aluminum, and steel. Check out his iconic designs, as well as some you've never seen before. The exhibit moves to Paris in the Fall. Source

Avedon For Breakfast

FabSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:50:22 PDT

I have always been an Avedon fan, but after viewing his new exhibit at the SFMOMA "Richard Avedon: Photographs: 1946-2004," I look at the iconic photographer in a new light. A raw, intense, emotional spotlight.

New York-born Avedon was an integral part of fashion in the '60s - you probably recognize Twiggy's hair and Dovima with elephants. These were from his decades as the staff photographer at Harpers Bazaar. He then delved into the zeitgeist of the turbulent '60s, shooting portraits of players in the sexual and intellectual counterculture movements; the Beatles, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan, Malcolm X, and Andy Warhol were all present in one room. One photo that had me mesmerized was a glimpse of Warhol's scar-ridden torso; it was provocative yet melancholy, further feeding into the artistic enigma that is Warhol.

Self-portraits of the late photographer were sprinkled throughout, showing his evolution from young gun to wise old soul.

One series in particular intrigued: "In the American West" (1980-85). While it was exciting to look into the eyes of famed writers, artists, political figures, and icons, it was the real people of our country - oil workers, a 13-year-old rattlesnake wrestler, drifters, carnies, waitresses - that evoked life, real humanity.

Avedon passed away in 2004 and this is the only US venue for this exhibition - the first major retrospective of his work since his death. If you happen to be in San Francisco July 11 to Nov. 29, be sure to eat some Avedon for breakfast, it is an utterly fulfilling, eye-opening experience. See some selections from the exhibit.

Yummy Links: From MoMA Sporks to Pizza Cakes

partysugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:00:33 PDT

Ramen sporks and more from MoMA. - Hostess With the Mostess
Wedding season's not over yet: A wedding cake reality show debuts on WE. - Epi-Log
These magic bars are made for tiny kitchens. - Simply Stated
Try to get your head around this 20-layer sandwich. - Slashfood
Who says you can't make easy cinnamon buns at home? - Baking Bites
Taste testing beer chips and fancy M&Ms. - Chow
Stumped by spaghetti squash? Here are five delicious ideas. - FitSugar
Adjust your recipes with this super-cool calculator tool. - The Kitchn
So cute! A cake that looks like a pizza pie. - Serious Eats

Source

Hands-Free Umbrella Makes Rainy Dog Walks Easy

PetSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:00:12 PDT

So, if you hated that matching doggie 'brella set, there may be times when you don't want to pull on a parka, but don't want to get wet either. If your dog's half as crazy as mine (scratch that, a quarter), this product would come in handy . . . or out of handy, actually. Fresh from the MoMA Store, this Ryo Masaki-designed Hands-Free Umbrella ($50), is absolutely perf for walking the dog on a rainy day. The handle is made of a flexible rubber that can be wrapped and molded around the shoulder for easy protection. I'm not brave enough to try to carry a normal umbrella while grappling with North's leash, so I think this product is amazing – wouldn't you agree?

Love It or Hate It? Chest of Drawers

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:00:12 PDT

Dutch born Tejo Remy's 'You Can't Lay Down Your Memory' Chest of Drawers, designed in 1991, is part of the MOMA's permanent collection. It's a group of found drawers strapped together to create a single cluster of drawers, made of metal, paper, plastic, burlap, contact paper, and paint. You can purchase a unique, made-to-order set, one of only 200, for $51,616 at Retro Modern. What do you think?

Source

Weird Furniture: Kraft Paper Softseating

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:00:49 PDT

Molo's Softseating ($130- $2,390) is made entirely from kraft paper with 50% recycled content. The paper is cut into a honeycomb-like structure that flexes to fan open into stools, benches and loungers. Not only is it flexible, it's versatile and compact; you can compress it like a book for easy storage. It was also recently acquired by the New York MOMA for their permanent collection. I can see the appeal of Softseating in a public space — it's fun, eye-catching, and memorable. But would you want this in your home?

Kartell - infinity wine rack by ron arad for kartell - $81.00	Zeus - tree light by ron arad for zeus - $997.00
T. Vac Chair - $375.00	Kartell lovely rita - $285.00
Moroso - victoria and albert collection by ron arad for moroso of italy - QUICKSHIP - $931.00	Vitra - tom vac chairs by ron arad - $170.00
Kartell bookworm - short - $425.00	Memphis Milano - 'doorman' doorstop by memphis - $897.00
Moroso victoria & albert table - $931.00	Alessi - moiramoira 13-pc. table set by ron arad for alessi - Sold Out
Moroso - spring collection by ron arad for moroso of italy - $6,612.00	Zeus - anonimus furniture family by ron arad - Sold Out
Moroso - three skin chair by ron arad for moroso of italy - $4,304.00	Moroso - ripple chair by ron arad for moroso of italy - QUICKSHIP - Sold Out