Disobedient Objects

V&A, 2014-15

An exhibition about the art and design of grassroots social movements.

Many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today were won by disobedience. Activist social movements have changed our world from the grassroots up, popularising new ideas and values. The objects made as part of these movements have played a key role in those cultural and political changes, but have mostly been ignored by institutions of art and design. Looking beyond art and design framed by markets, connoisseurs and professionals, Disobedient Objects aimed to address this gap and tell a people’s history of art and design from below. Attracting over 400,000 visitors, it was, at the time, the most visited exhibition at the V&A since 1946. 

Find out more about the thinking behind Disobedient Objects in our introduction to the accompanying book. 

Co-curator: Catherine Flood
Co-curator: Gavin Grindon
Research Assistant: Steffi Duarte
2D Exhibition Design: Barnbrook Studio
3D Exhibition Design: Line Lund
Exhibition Manager: Sarah Jameson 
Images copyright V&A

“

One of the most exhilarating and important exhibitions of the year

Zoe Pilger, The Independent

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This isn’t protest art, it is protest itself and it’s refreshing to see objects with little financial value but massive potency exhibited a place like the V&A

Alex Dymoke, City A.M

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A Welcome institutional shouldering of social responsibility in an irresponsible world

Catharine Rossi, Domus

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A challenge has been laid down to us by the curators to see through the appearance of things, and to uncover the much more interesting secret life of grass roots democratic action bubbling just below the surface.

Adam Nathaniel Furman, Disegno

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This is a brave and unusual exhibition

Martin Roth, form V&A Director

Disobedient Objects asks us to rethink what counts as both art and as politics…It shows real change can only come when the imagination challenges the institution – and wins.

Dr Anna Feigenbaum, Bournemouth University

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This fiery survey of protest objects made by grassroots social movements – staged at the Victoria & Albert Museum, of all places – is a rebel yell from the heart of the establishment.

Skye Sherwin, The Guardian

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Disobedient Objects breaks all the rules of a traditional art exhibition. It invites a radical reality into the the museum, giving centre stage to the objects that people use to rebel against the system. Visitors should expect to be shocked and inspired by what they see. 

Vashti Hallissey, PSFK 

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Disobedient Objects has to be the most exciting, dynamic and emotive exhibition I’ve seen at the V&A

– Victoria Sadler, Huffington Post

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