Object Lesson

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 8/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

Sol LeWitt, Richard Tuttle, and other celebrated minimalists have often looked beyond the canvas, experimenting with furniture, lighting, rugs, and accessories. In "Design Is Not Art: Functional Objects From Donald Judd to Rachel Whiteread," New York's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, surveys these less-known functional objects, which exhibit the restrained palette and elegant abstractions characteristic of the movement. "What's interesting in the art world now is the overlap, the blurring between what is considered design and what is considered art," says curatorial director Barbara Bloemink.

Seminal environments of pure geometric forms will be re-created throughout the museum—the former Andrew Carnegie mansion—permitting visitors to explore displays in a residential context. September 10–February 27; 212-849-8400; cooperhewitt.org.