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- Lights, Animal / Mineral, by Valerie DeKeyserOne of our favorite exhibits at this year's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/milan-furniture-fair">Milan Furniture Fair</a> was <a title="Loaded" href="http://www.saic.edu/loaded" target="_blank">Loaded</a>, which brought together 15 students and emerging designers from the <a title="SAIC" href="http://www.saic.edu" target="_blank">School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)</a> to explore the history, physicality, and currency of two catalytic materials: iron and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/what-recession-for-cupcake-bakers-business-is-booming/" target="_blank">sugar</a>. Designer <a title="Brian Anderson" href="http://www.studioba.org" target="_blank">Brian Anderson</a> explains: “Sugar and iron are two materials that represent the American history quite well, with references to the times of slavery as well as the glorious industrial days.” Read on for a look at the innovative designs on display -- from lighting to tableware and jewelry.1
- Cake, necklace by Brian Anderson<a title="Brian Anderson" href="http://www.studioba.org" target="_blank">Brian Anderson</a> showcased a metal necklace that he described as "part jewelry, part cloak, part cartwheel ruff, part affluence". <em>Cake</em>, as it’s called, is a piece communicating the polarities of having something while wishing to consume it too.2
- Lights, Stardust, by Won Joon LeeWon Joon Lee experimented with the use of sugar as a light source. His modular <em>Stardust</em> light is illuminated by a set of sugar LEDs that exist in a state between taste and sight.3
- Objects, More Than It's Worth, by Nathan D. Paoletta<a title="Nathan D. Paoletta" href="http://www.npdesign.com" target="_blank">Nathan D. Paoletta</a> interpreted the exhibition's theme more concretely and made objects out of coins and various consumer goods that are worth the exact value of 20 US Dollars. With <em>More Than It’s Worth</em> he questions the value of things in a digitally connected, abstract world.4
- Dishes, Division by Charlie McArthur<a title="Charlie McArthur" href="http://www. charliemcarthur.com" target="_blank">Charlie McArthur</a> took a similar approach and made dishes in cast iron. The project's title is <em>Division</em>, which address the income distribution around the world based on statistical models of wealth.5
- Objects, Visible Sweetness, by Zhe Zhang<a title="Zhe Zhang" href="http://www.zhezhangdesign.com" target="_blank">Zhe Zhang</a> explored the way that sugar dissolves into invisible sweetness in food, which we only can taste. Her objects, <em>Visible Sweetness</em>, are designed for different kinds of sugar to make the act of sweetening food visually rich.6
- Objects, Traded, by Amma AningAnna Aning's "Traded" calls attention to the world-leading importers and exporters of raw goods.7
- Kettle, Hot & Heavy, by Stephen GulauStephen Gulau showcased a series of "Hot & Heavy" kettles without handles.8
- Objects, OverWeight, by Ryan ChorbagianThe exhibit explores the fluidity of currency and how objects are shaped by global systems of trade, cultural ideologies, desire and emotions – whether we are aware of it or not. Shown here: OverWeight, by Ryan Chorbagian.9
- Serving vessel, Poured Relations, by Morgan CarterMorgan Carter's "Poured Relations" maple syrup warming and serving vessel highlights the skillful use of cast iron.10
- Objects, Cage and Cotain, by Lauren MosakowskiThe sight of this exhibition during a week packed with glossy, shallow, and ill-conceived products was a welcome mental break. Shown here: Cage and Cotain, by Lauren Mosakowski.11
- Objects, In Kind, by Jordan MorrellIn Kind, by Jordan Morrell, maps the exchange of non-monetary goods.12
- Horse, by Daniel R. WhitneckHorse, by Daniel R. Whitneck, is a set of modular hand-cast iron footings.13
- Objects, Ding!, by Ciara TaylorDing!, by Ciara Taylor, allows us to consider achievments as currency.14
- Object, I am, by Cecilia Gómez LauríaEven though the theme of the show may have been imposed on the students, it works, and one leaves feeling a bit relieved that there still are responsible and aware designers out there. I am, by Cecilia Gómez Lauría, is a celebration of human diversity.15