Skin Deep

Staff -- Interior Design, 4/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

The exterior "skin" of objects, garments, and buildings and its relationship to what lies beneath are examined in "Skin: Surface, Substance + Design." Mounted by Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, in New York, the show explores the rise of digital media and its role in the practice of design. To illustrate five themes—ranging from Beauty, Horror + Biotechnology to Intelligence + Touch—the museum presents such examples as Karim Rashid's Chromazone table, which changes color upon contact, and Alba D'Urbano's garments, imprinted with life-size body photographs that blur the barrier between fashion and nakedness. May 14–September 15; 212-849-8400; www.si.edu/ndm.