TO DO Festival Features is a shortlist of 10 events, exhibitions, and/or window installations selected by a jury. The criteria for selection is entirely up to each juror, while considering caliber of the work or event program, and appeal to a general public and specialist audience. This year’s jurors include Corrie Jackson (RBC Art), Shaun Moore (MADE Design), and Claire Pijoulat (WantedDesign NYC).

‘That is Best Which Works Best’ combines the work of modern and antique pieces to examine how past craft movements have informed contemporary practice. The exhibition features the work of Canadian designer Thom Fougere, Norwegian designer Hallgeir Homstvedt, and musician Jason Collett, along with museum-quality Shaker objects. Focusing on use and necessity, these designers look to create products which communicate the idea of functional timeless design – placed alongside the Shaker objects, the works play off of each other and facilitate a conversation between antique and modern pieces.

For the jurors, one winning aspect of ‘That is Best Which Works Best’ is the exhibition venue, design store Mjölk, which has been profiled by the likes of Dwell, Monocle, Wallpaper and more. Juror Corrie Jackson notes, “Going into Mjölk is a ritual experience in itself — walking through their space, each object is a reminder of the importance and reflection that can be given to the simple gestures and everyday moments in our lives. Their consideration for how design can distill and create an experience from the actions we might otherwise overlook, such as reading a book, pouring tea, or combing our hair.”

The exhibition, brought together under the discerning eye of the Mjölk’s husband-and-wife team John and Juli Baker, features the work of Canadian designer Thom Fougere, Norwegian designer Hallgeir Homstvedt, and musician Jason Collett, along with museum-quality Shaker objects. Focusing on use and necessity, these designers look to create products which communicate the idea of functional timeless design – placed alongside the Shaker objects, the works play off of each other and facilitate a conversation between antique and modern pieces.

Since founding Mjölk in 2009, John and Juli have presented works that emphasize these elements of functionality, craftsmanship and timelessness. Certainly the exhibition’s exploration of the Shaker movement and its influence on contemporary design – not to mention, the venue itself – makes this Festival Feature worth a visit.  

‘That Is Best Which Works Best’ will be showcased at Mjölk (2959 Dundas St. W) from Wed , Jan 18, 2017 — Sun , Jan 22, 2017.

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