The Exh Files: Part 13

By JGarciaMosqueda | Published: October 3, 2011

Everything you have always wanted to know about how exhibitions get done, but you’ve never dared ask. The Exh Files bring you into the belly of the monster, not only to shed light on the curatorial process of Talk to Me, but also to cast the spotlight on the unsung heroes and heroines whose work is critical to the success of a show. For the duration of the exhibition, twice a week we will post three profiles of MoMA colleagues that were involved in the making of this show, and of many other MoMA exhibitions.

Marc Sapir

MARC SAPIR
Publications

Title at MoMA: Production Director, Department of Publications.
Been working at the museum for: has been part of the team that publishes the Museum’s exhibition catalogues for 21 years, helping to coordinate curators, editors, graphic designers and printers to create amazing books such as Talk to Me [[[Ed’s note: aaaawww, thanks]]].
Passion outside of MoMA: When not printing books all over the world, he is a practicing visual artist who lives in Brooklyn with his wife, dog and 4 cats.
What I did in Talk to me: please see above.
Curatorial team says: This is a testimony from Paola Antonelli: my first book with Marc was also my first book with MoMA, the catalogue of the show Mutant Materials in Contemporary Design, in 1995. 8,000 copies of the catalogue sported unique resin covers handcrafted in Gaetano Pesce’s office. Marc did not blink. And he did not blink through my whole career at MoMA, working with such exacting designers as Irma Boom on the Design and the Elastic Mind catalogue (2008) or embossing coffee stains on the cover of Workspheres (2001). MoMA curators depend on him more than anyone can imagine.

Sheetal Prajapati

SHEETAL PRAJAPATI
Education

Title at MoMA: Associate Educator, Public Programs.
Been working at the museum for: Been working at MoMA since October 2010.
A brief bio:  Sheetal came to MoMA from Chicago in 2010.  There she served as the Director of Education at the Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University and prior to that she held many positions in education at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. She received her MA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her BA from Northwestern University.  
Passion outside of MoMA: Currently, my passion outside of MoMA includes discovering New York as my new home. This includes finding exceptional cuisine, looking for innovative theater experiences, and appreciating the notion of green space in urban environments all over again.
What I did in Talk to Me: Working with Paola and Kate to organize a two-day symposium in October 2011.
Curatorial team says: Wow, we want to see Sheetal wearing her blue sari on October 19th!

Ryan Correira

RYAN CORREIRA
IT

Title at MoMA: Information Technology.
Been working at the museum for: 4 months.
A brief bio: I studied film, audio engineering, and photography at Emerson College in Boston. Before coming to MoMA I worked as a fashion and product photographer in Los Angeles, and separately as an audio engineer. I still currently work weddings and special events as a photographer.
Passion Outside of MoMA: I play music, and work on my own photography. I brew my own beer.
What I did in Talk to me: Assisted in the set up of computers as interactive displays, and monitor them throughout the show.
Curatorial team says: Ryan is not only a vital part of the TTM team, he is also our beloved Mac guy! Explanation: he knows how to fix Apple computers, which curators in A&D have used for about 18 years (ever since Paola came on board), even at the time when Mac users were only 10 in the whole museum and had to call on TekServe to get their machines fixed. Times have changed.

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Talking Families: Part 6

By emargulies | Published: October 1, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids ages 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

Inventors: Sebastian and Peter Booth
Age of inventors: 10 and 46
Invention: Good Doggie, Bad Doggie

The design includes a collar that is placed on a dog’s neck. Two sensors detect a dog’s movement towards a forbidden area such as sofa or a tabletop. This activates a voice commanding the dog to leave the forbidden area.

Inventors:  Violet  and Denny Morrison, Susan Brown
Age of inventors: 14 and two adults
Invention: Floor bed

A mattress is stored in a panel that serves as a platform. This platform can be lifted and hooked into the wall revealing an entire new room including a mattress, painting, and whiteboard.

Inventors: Delia and Joel Cadman
Age of inventors: 12 and 49
Invention: Rocket Shoes (Emergency Skates)

This form of emergency transportation is powered by a rocket and controlled with an iPhone app. The wheels can retract when needed, while the direction and movement are controlled by GPS.

Inventors: Aden Scheuter, Amy Flory Tomas, Butulman, Kirsten Roberts
Age of inventors: 12, 50, 12, 44
Invention: Adjustable Wheel Chairs

Scissor lifts allow the wheelchair to be raised and lowered. The chair itself extends allowing the user to stand. The chair is equipped with a screen to protect from the sun, and is available in a spectrum of colors.

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Hacking the Solari

By Dan Phiffer | Published: September 30, 2011

Hacked Solari di Udine flight board

Cross-posted from the Inside/Out blog

One of the aspects I like most about working in the Digital Media department is building exhibition subsites, the online complements to our gallery exhibitions. We don’t build all our subsites in-house; many are handled by outside design firms. In the case of Talk to Me Read More »

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The Exh Files: Part 12

By JGarciaMosqueda | Published: September 29, 2011

Everything you have always wanted to know about how exhibitions get done, but you’ve never dared ask. The Exh Files bring you into the belly of the monster, not only to shed light on the curatorial process of Talk to Me, but also to cast the spotlight on the unsung heroes and heroines whose work is critical to the success of a show. For the duration of the exhibition, twice a week we will post three profiles of MoMA colleagues that were involved in the making of this show, and of many other MoMA exhibitions.

Peter Perez

PETER PEREZ
Framing

Title at MoMA: Framing Department Foreman.
Been working at the museum for: 23 years at MoMA (Hay Dios Mio!!)
A brief bio: I received my MFA degree from Maryland Institute-Hoffberger School of Painting in 1978. I taught graduate painting at Tyler School of Art and Bard College. And since 1978 I have had various solo exhibitions and group shows in NY, Europe and Latin America.
Passion outside MoMA: making art (a new project in collaboration with three contemporary poets) and now remodeling a house I bought in a Usonia -Frank Lloyd Wright community in Pleasantville, NY.
What I did in Talk to Me: designed and created various frames and mounts for exhibition objects.
Curatorial Team says: The Framing shop is one of the magical places in MoMA’s hidden guts. It is such a privilege to have at our disposal the skills of a team of experts that would be the envy of every collector on earth. When we say at our disposal, of course we mean it with a grain of salt. There is a long waiting list at all times. Also, Peter’s work goes well beyond frames. Please look at the book stands in this picture. They were his idea, his design, his making.

Kim Mitchell

KIM MITCHELL
Chief Communications Officer

Title at MoMA: Chief Communications Officer.
Been working at the museum for:  since 1997 (and worked on Paola’s exhibition Achille Castiglioni!)
A brief bio: My career has been a giant zig-zag, starting out in advertising as a photography production assistant, then as an art director and copywriter, co-founding a design/ad agency, learning the joys and challenges of museum communications at the Parrish Art Museum on Long Island, and finally landing this dream job at MoMA where I have never had one boring day and get to work with visionary and brilliant curators to tell the world about things I am passionate about.
Passion outside MoMA: In my non-working life, I am a curious traveler, foodie, film buff and weekend bicyclist!
What I did in Talk to Me: Working on Talk to Me was an inspiration for a communicator. It is not often that you see the word “communication” in an exhibition title, so this curatorial concept was close to our hearts from the outset. My role was to oversee the public relations, marketing and graphic design for the exhibition, which means my team is responsible for creating ads, press materials, and exhibition graphics, as well as organizing events, pitching stories to the media, setting up interviews, handling photo shoots, etc. One special tactic came about through the MTA’s MetroCard machine now on view in the galleries, where visitors can purchase a special MetroCard. Working with the MTA, the card featured the exhibition identity on the flip side, and six million cards will be distributed throughout the subway system. We also like to try playful and unexpected things. This summer, street teams fanned out through the city talking to people, handing out materials, and wearing old-fashioned sandwich boards showing the Talk to Me exhibition identity and a QR code that will take people to a website about the exhibition. We liked combining the oldest form of communication with the newest. It’s so gratifying to see the exhibition inspire our visitors of all ages to learn more about design.
Curatorial Team says: Contemporary design is always a great testing ground for new communication techniques, and we love working with our colleagues in Kim’s department.

Laura Beiles

LAURA BEILES
Adult Programs

Title at MoMA: Assistant Director, Adult Programs.
Been working at the museum for: 10 years.
A brief bio: Laura Beiles is the Assistant Director of Adult Programs in the Department of Education at MoMA.  She organizes exhibition- and collection-related programs with artists, scholars, architects, designers, poets and others.Most recently, she co-organized Bauhaus Lab, an interactive space that reimagined the classrooms and curriculum of the historic school in Germany. She also organized the exhibition Words in Freedom: Futurism at 100 (February 13 – April 6, 2009) and wrote an educators guide for the Museum entitled Artists Among Nations. Before coming to MoMA in 2001, she worked at NYU, La Pietra in Florence and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.  She received her Bachelor’s in Art History and Italian at Middlebury College in Vermont and her Master’s degree in Art History at Hunter College, The City University of New York, where she received the Shuster Award for Outstanding MA Thesis in May 2007.
Passion outside of MoMA: hanging out with my 9 month old peanut, Livia.
What I did in Talk To Me: co-organizing the related symposium.
Curatorial Team says: Laura also envisioned a really special evening that will take place at MoMA on November 2, entitled The Language of Objects and led by our beloved Rob Walker. It will be very special.

 

 

 

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Talking Families: Part 5

By emargulies | Published: September 28, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids ages 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

Inventors: Sahara, Kaiya and Brenda Steele
Age of inventors: 12, 12, and 50+
Invention: Homework Help Messenger

This device helps users with their homework as it turns speech into text. It can be handheld or mounted as a message board. It uses voice control to access the Internet, as well as search functions, and word processing. The device can print up to five sheets at a time, and also includes a video camera.

Inventors: Helena and Tom
Age of inventors: 10 and 45
Invention: Easy Night School

These wireless glasses can be worn at night as the user sleeps. Information is sent from a professor’s computer to the glasses. At school the next day there is only the need for physical education classes, tests, and recess.

Inventors: Seth and Ron Schulman
Age of inventors: 11 and 48
Invention:  Forever Charged

A solar charger for portable phones serves as a permanent case attached to the phone. The phone remains charged without using electricity. The charger receives light into a charging cell, which then keeps the battery in the phone continually charged.

Inventors: Zola and Ty Oyer
Age of inventors: 10 and 39
Invention: NYC Clean

Using preprogrammed images and scents, this robot roams New York City sidewalks identifying garbage and vacuuming it up. Once it has reached its waste capacity, the robot then identifies New York City wastebaskets located on street corners and empties its contents.

Inventors: Emma Weitz, Clara and Bettina Rosarius
Age of inventors: 10, 10, and 47
Invention: My Ballgame Friend

My Ballgame Friend can react to any wished ballgame action from tennis to tetherball. The figure hits or throws the ball back, and catches it, while ball itself is equipped with a sensor so it can be found by the robot in any location—even in the woods!

Inventors: Nathaniel and Isaac Koyfman
Age of inventors: 10 and 41
Invention: Medical Bracelet

This bracelet is to be worn on one’s wrist to calculate body vitals and biochemistry. It uses this information to advise the wearer on vitamin, water, and calorie intake, and then gives health warnings or recommendations.

Inventors: Camela and Yolando Irato
Age of inventors: 12 and 46
Invention: iTouch Light Bulb

Ease the turning on and off of table lamps with this special light bulb, developed with a sensor. To turn it on, put your hand close to the light bulb sensor. Body heat will automatically switch it on. To turn it off, blow on the light bulb, and the coolness will turn it off.

Inventors: Talia and Miriam Schulman
Age of inventors: 13 and 42
Invention: Photoshop Face Fixer

This is a cosmetic wand to use on the actual face to remove, lighten, or blend blemishes, freckles, and wrinkles. With a touch of a button, the user can aim the wand at any undesirable pigmentation on his or her face.

Inventors: Veronica and Brande Stellings
Age of inventors: 10 and 40+
Invention: Kitchen-in-a-Sphere
Essential kitchen tools are included in one collapsible sphere. This object reduces the amount of kitchen space needed. It also ensures that such tools can be easily found and stored. Simply press the button for the desired tool to pop out. Tools include measuring spoons, measuring cups, whisk, juicer, grater, mixing spoon, and temperature gauge.

Inventors: Sandhya and Sumitra Kilambi
Age of inventors: 10 years and 10+
Invention: Cottage of Swirling Warmth

Cold, wet swimmers sit on the bench for relief. The user must press the “candle” button outside the structure to begin drying off with warm, dry air. The hanging red tubes can be stretched to apply extra heat to certain parts of the body, for example, to dry hair.

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The Exh Files: Part 11

By JGarciaMosqueda | Published: September 28, 2011

Everything you have always wanted to know about how exhibitions get done, but you’ve never dared ask. The Exh Files bring you into the belly of the monster, not only to shed light on the curatorial process of Talk to Me, but also to cast the spotlight on the unsung heroes and heroines whose work is critical to the success of a show. For the duration of the exhibition, twice a week we will post three profiles of MoMA colleagues that were involved in the making of this show, and of many other MoMA exhibitions.

Rebecca Roberts

REBECCA ROBERTS
Publications

Title at MoMA: Senior Assistant Editor.
Been working at the museum for: 5 years, 2 months.
A brief bio: I’m Canadian, born to American parents in Nova Scotia, where I grew up and eventually went to art school. After graduate school in Toronto and various jobs in publishing there, I moved to New York in 2007, and I have been editing at MoMA ever since!
Passion outside of MoMA: books, food, cats, friends, things I find on the street, and working on my blog, Manna from Brooklyn (featuring books, food, cats, friends, and things I find on the street). Current self-improvement projects include Latin study, learning how to knit, and attempting to become a semi-competent touch typist (since typing is what I do all day).
What I did in Talk to Me: A big part of my job at MoMA is to edit all the written material that goes in the galleries–wall texts, labels, extended labels, warnings, etc. My work, in essence, is to help the curators express their ideas as clearly as possible and prevent any errors (mine or anyone else’s) from making it onto the gallery walls. For Talk to Me I worked with Paola and Kate to edit the introduction to the show, the texts on the labels, and the texts that explain the different sections of the show. Then, together with Sam Sherman (the graphic designer), we rechecked and perfected the texts and labels and got them ready to be produced and installed in the galleries. There is lots of written material in the show and it deals with complex objects and concepts, so it was a big project and a really interesting one—I Iearned a lot about a world of design I had only encountered the edges of, as a consumer.
Curatorial Team says: Rebecca works on several shows at any time and her job requires a lot of flexibility and agility–not to mention energy.

August Heffner

AUGUST HEFFNER
Graphic Design

Title at MoMA: Assistant Creative Director, Department of Advertising and Graphic Design.
Been working at the museum for: 2.5 years.
A brief bio: Born in Missouri, educated in Kansas, lives in Brooklyn. Teacher of Typography and Visual Communication. Works at MoMA by day, works in Bushwick by night.
Passion outside of MoMA: Graphic design for other clients (http://www.augustheffner.com), teaching, blogging (http://www.lettersofmeaning.com/ & http://imprint.printmag.com/august-heffner/) friends and raising money for artists with food (http://feastinbklyn.org/)
What I did in Talk to Me: Worked with the amazing Sam Sherman on the graphic design/visual identity of the show and created printed, outdoor and digital advertising.
Curatorial Team says: During the first phases of the planning of an exhibition, several meetings happen where the key components come together to brainstorm. The Graphic Design team is essential and participates since the beginning in the making of the show.

 

Virginia Woolf, Emily's favorite writer

EMILY HALL
Publications

Title at MoMA: Editor, Department of Publications.
Been working at the museum for: Almost six years.
A brief bio: Born and bred New Yorker.
Passion outside of MoMA: A few weeks ago I was being interviewed during jury duty, and one of the questions was what did I do in my spare time. My answer was that I had no spare time, and I ended up on the jury. So beware. I love to read and to bring my four-year-old to MoMA and see art through him for the first time.
What I did in Talk to Me: e-mailed Kevin Slavin eight hundred times, also edited the exhibition catalogue.
Curatorial Team says: Emily, Emily Emily, how can we count the ways?  We so loved working with you on the catalogue.

 

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Talking Families: Part 4

By emargulies | Published: September 27, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids aged 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

Inventors: Konstantin van Schendel and Benny Nord-Levin
Age of inventors: 10 and 10
Invention: The Solar-powered Computer Thingy

Leave your charger and batteries at home when you use the Solar-powered Computer Thingy. This device allows for maximum computing time while using minimum power. Use is limited to daytime, unless you have a bright light to help power the solar cells in the dark. This device is good for the world because it will help save energy.

Inventors: Kyril and Marc van Schendel
Age of inventors: 12 and 53
Invention title: Mobile Device Wedge

Mobile Device Wedge allows you to control environments based on user preference and habits. Lights will dim and brighten as desired, water heaters can be controlled, and power can be regulated. Mobile Device Wedge interfaces with most wireless devices, so it is easy to use, and contains a hard-drive. This all-in-one device helps users save money and reduce detrimental effects on the environment.

Inventors: Zoe Girod and Anne-Karin Kummer
Age of inventors: 11 and 49
Invention title: Bear-Hugger

Give someone a hug from anywhere in the world. Type in an address and the Bear-Hugger allows you to reach out and give someone you know a hug. This device helps bring a sense of your smell, touch, and even pulse to your close friends and family, decreasing distance both real and psychological.

Inventors: Arto and Milena
Age of inventors: 12 and 47
Invention: The Magic Cube

The Magic Cube allows users to explore alternative realities and to see and feel the consequences of a potential choice. The user speaks into a microphone, asking “What if?” and the Magic Cube creates a visualization of a possible consequence allowing viewers to see and experience as if the choice had been made. Accessories are included for an added visceral experience.

Inventors: Tova, Eli, and Dani Roth
Age of inventors: 48, 11, and 5
Invention: Super Dog

This Super Dog is remote controlled and can fly with hover feet. Perfect for children Super Dog is especially fun to play with. He can beat all the bad guys and bring a smile to your face. Don’t miss his X-Ray eyes!

Inventor: Sean Kim
Age of inventor: 11
Invention: Projectapult

When plugged into a computer’s USB port, the Projectapult sends a holigram of text or images to another computer screen. This device makes communication much more interactive and fun.

Inventors: Benjamin Dubetsky
Age of inventor: 10
Invention: Hogwarts Castle

With multiple platforms for various modes of transportation, this model allows for other alternative ways to get to Hogwarts. You can visit by train, helicopter, car, boat, and/or plane. This will help the wizarding world because by increasing accessibility more people will be able to attend the school, not just those who live in the London area.

Inventor: Tanya Belotserkovskiy
Invention: Opti-Useful-inator

A pair of glasses with many functions and extensions, the Opti-Useful-Inator has a built in microphone, ear buds, braided hair, and even a hat. This object allows one to multitask and look great at the same time.

Inventor: Peter Belotserkovskiy
Age of inventor: 10
Invention title: Lazy-inator

A couch with an adjacent computer, the Lazy-inator allows one to type in an object to be retrieved. The object is found and then brought to the user, saving time and effort, as well as maximizing time to relax.

Inventor: Emily Dubetsky
Age of inventor: 8
Invention: The Frosting Cupcake

The Frosting Cupcake is for those who just like to eat the frosting part of a cupcake. It gives the illusion of having a regular cake bottom, but is actually all frosting throughout. This allows for less food waste.

Inventor: Nicholas Belotserkovskiy
Age of inventor: 6
Invention: House

A house with an outdoor lamp and a lightning rod on top.

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Talking Families: Part 3

By emargulies | Published: September 26, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids aged 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

 

Inventors: Max and Debra Borchardt
Age of inventors: 12 and 50
Invention: Super Splint

Typical finger splints are bulky and impede other fingers’ movement. The Super Splint streamlines the design, becoming adaptable to different fingers and allowing for the largest possible range of motion. Made of metal wire and spandex fabric, the Super Splint is supportive and responsive to all users.

Inventors: Ilan and Galina Filonenko
Age of inventors: 14, 35
Invention: Walking Traffic Light

Using cues including colors and facial expressions, the Walking Traffic Light replaces typical crossing guards, giving children very clear direction when crossing the street. Mobile and adaptable, the Walking Traffic Light can be placed at multiple intersections and locations.

Inventors: John and Ty Lei
Age of inventors: 56 and 11
Invention: Green Meter

Green Meter monitors and displays the amount of energy one produces and consumes. Through rich visual incentives Green Meter encourages green habits by making easy comparisons between use and production.

Inventors: Maeve and Karina Hogan
Age of inventors: 10 and 41
Invention: IC Gameplayer

IC Gameplayer is a device for children without siblings, which plays multiplayer games with them like checkers, chess, Monopoly, or Scrabble. It also makes ice cream. Sensors on the device allow IC Gameplayer to receive aural and visual feedback to respond to children as they play. Game cartridges are removable, allowing new games to be added. The game comes with a charging tray so it can recharge while children sleep.

Inventors: Stella and Ognjen Simic
Age of inventors: 11 and 46
Invention: Solar

Solar is a multipurpose hat with solar panels embedded in decorative features. The power generated by the solar panels helps run a CD player so the user can listen to music through built in headphones.

Inventors: Eli O’Brien, Rebecca Stead, and Josh Weiner
Age of inventors: 10, 43, 10
Invention: Bad Day Machine

The Bad Day Machine gauges users feelings about their day on a sliding scale. The device helps provide comfort by giving users choices about treats and other objects that might cheer them up. For example, BDM asks whether you like ice cream and if you pick “yes,” it offers you three different kinds of ice cream. BDM also features music to help you make it through your sub-par days.

Inventors: Carlota and Walter
Age of inventors: 13 and 46
Invention: ColdBox

ColdBox is a new take on the 19th-century icebox. With a sleek design, featuring two streamlined compartments, ColdBox requires no electricity to keep any number of items fresh and cold. Using Dry Ice (so it doesn’t melt) the ColdBox may be ideal for picnics or other places where electricity for refrigeration is not available.

Inventors: Justin, Isabella, Alex, and Nicole Park
Age of inventors: 10, 9, 42, and 40
Invention: Green Path

Green Path is a mix between a street sweeper and a robot. Powered by solar panels and using LEDs, Green Path is optimized for green performance with preserving the environment as a key concern. Inside the device one finds multiple compartments; sensors help to separate recyclable materials that are found on the street. In order to help relieve congested traffic, Green Path has the option to travel by flight as well as on the ground.

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Talking Families: Part 2

By emargulies | Published: September 24, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids aged 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

Inventors: Clara and Mo Malekshahi
Age of inventors: 12 and 50
Invention: A Pet For You

This pet simulator allows people to virtually interact with a pet before buying one. Are you and the pet compatible? Sensors placed on the hands register your reactions to the pet in order to help determine your compatibility.

Inventors: Casey and Nancy Ryan
Age of inventors: 13 and 13+
Invention: Rewarding Jewelry

This line of jewelry contains a chip that takes the place of a typical rewards card, or other cumbersome object used at stores and in other transactions. Stylish and attractive, this jewelry can be taken off and connected to a computer to recharge before going out. Men’s and women’s lines are available, and a children’s line may come out soon.

Inventors: Allie, Bobby, Bob, Allison
Age of inventors: 10, 13, 45, 45
Invention: Monitor Caddy

Monitor Caddy is a laptop with built-in cup holders and other space-saving devices. The Caddy helps manage space, keeping important papers on the desk safe from inopportune spills. The Caddy is also a time saver, as it keeps food and work close together.

Inventors: Maria and Pablo Elizaga
Age of inventors: 11 and 42
Invention title: Electronic Closet

What to wear? Using a touchscreen, mix and match your outfits. Choose from different categories like “Casual, Work, Sports, Home, etc.” in order to find the perfect look. Once you make your choice onscreen, the closet opens and presents your outfit.

Inventor: Ricky
Age of inventor: 12
Invention: Robot
This robot plays your favorite music and prepares meals for you. The Robot has voice recognition software in its feet and will not do anything for anyone other than its owner.

Inventor: Sam
Age of inventor: 12
Invention: Time Machine

The time machine will take you to any place and time. If you did not like something that happened during one year, hit the replay button and it will replay the event over again and you can change it. You can also undo any changes you’ve made once you’ve returned to your own time.

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Talking Families: Part 1

By emargulies | Published: September 23, 2011

Between September 17 and October 15, kids aged 10 to 14 and their parents/caregivers are participating in a MoMA Family Art Workshop connected to the Talk to Me exhibition. After viewing and discussing objects in the exhibition, the family groups have developed their own communication-related inventions. We have invited them to share their projects here.

Inventors: Will and Steve Loffredo
Age of inventors: 11 and 42
Invention: Hot Shot

Sensors in the floor of a basketball court measure your distance from the basket. Feedback is offered visually or aurally, letting you know the distance of your shot and the point value. Play and measurements can be leveled for high school, college, or NBA. The Hot Shot will help prevent arguments about the value of a given shot.

Inventors: Willo Dokic and Shira Loewenberg
Age of inventors: 11 and 44
Invention: Give Me My Space

Inspired by a crowded hall on the first day of school, Give Me My Space offers aural and haptic feedback to people who bump into others. When they feel the push or sound of the object, they might be inclined to ask, “What was that?” Hopefully, this will prompt discussions about personal space. The yarn softens the edges, and is red to alert people (and if it happens to draw blood, it will blend in).

Inventors: Stefan Leonardo, Suzie Baer, Paul and Fred Hechinger
Age of inventors: 10, 45, 50, 11
Invention: Mpower

“Never run out.” Mpower is a portable, renewable power source that can accept any number of inputs. Perfect for travel, this device offers flexible power sources and is infinitely adaptable. LEED certified, this product uses wind and solar power to stay green.

Inventors: Teddy Rosen and Charlotte Maier
Age of inventors: 14 and 55
Invention: REM Harness

REM Harness captures the energy of your dreams as a renewable energy source to provide power to your home. The box displays how much power has been stored, and includes earbuds designed to help people sleep.

Inventors: Zev and Meredith Lichtenberg
Age of inventors: 10 and 39
Invention: Chicken Chucker

The Chicken Chucker has a dual purpose: to help children exercise and help chickens achieve their dream to fly. Children run down the straightaway, jump as high as they can, and launch the chickens in the air into a pile of pillows.

Inventors: John, Liana, and Jane Bock Chow
Age of inventors: 50’s and 11
Invention: Start My Day

An object for storage, dispersal, and time management, Start My Day is the perfect compliment to the hectic pace of modern life. Connected to an iPod calendar, objects automatically fall from compartments at designated times.

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