MATTER + SHAPE 2025
DAN THAWLEY
Matter + Shape 2025
As 2025 marks the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, MATTER and SHAPE (2025) drew inspiration from this pivotal moment in design history. Held in Paris a century ago, the exhibition not only popularized the Art Deco movement but also set the stage for modernist innovation by blending artistic expression with industrial functionality.
This edition revisited the progressive ideals of the Roaring Twenties, provoking new dialogues between tradition and innovation. By showcasing contemporary design that addressed cultural and artistic concerns, the salon established a meaningful connection to the transformative spirit of the 1925 exposition while fostering new conversations about the future of design. A dedicated exhibition curated by Dan Thawley featuring ephemera from 1925 was presented, including the exhibition’s general catalogue, promotional documents, paper tickets, postcards, and a unique collection of original glass photographic negatives by Georges Bodin.
"Matter and Shape is not your typical fair – it’s an invitation to explore the landscape of design at the intersection of craft, creativity and commerce. "
"Matter and Shape, a new design salon in the iconic Jardin des Tuileries, breathes innovation into the city's creative scene."
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