Core77

10 Every Day Objects from the KIOSK Archive

The wacky, wonderful, beautiful world of the mundane

By Core Jr - December 21, 2015

in Product Design | Exhibitions

Since 2005, KIOSK has been scouring the far reaches of the globe for the most beautiful (and functional) every day objects. Their storied storefront in SoHo was part exhibition space, part retail, part creative lab and community hub where uncountable openings turned into late-night dance parties. As the founders explain:

Our format is really simple: we go to a place, search for the very basic, common, independently produced objects, bring or ship them back, present them in an exhibition format (by having one of each thing on view with it's accompanying text) and sell the stuff. Easy. Every object tells a story, everything opens a conversation, look, learn, touch and talk and then take the thing home with you. That way, the life of the object and in turn KIOSK, goes on and on.

As part of MoMA PS1's "Greater New York," exhibition, KIOSK shares their entire archive in a maze-like installation that takes up an entire room of the museum. It's delightful, captivating and a bit magical to wander through, let your eyes settle on an object, and appreciate the design of an every day thing—a sardine can, a coat hanger, a sandwich press—in its full glory. Below, to celebrate their participation in the exhibition—and to inspire those last minute Christmas shoppers—the founders share ten of their favorite items from their collection.

Audobon Bird Call / USA - $12 - Fifteen different calls and counting

Metal Tape Dispenser / Italy - $36 - This is our savior.

Black Cross Skateboard / USA - $250 - Essentially a 2x4 as a skateboard, yes it works, well.

Tears of Love / Italy - $42 - Magical inside, uncountable flavors, nothing else like it.

Stapler / Sweden - $42 - Makes work much much better, accounting too

Carpet Beater - $36 - Do it Finnish style, place your carpet in the snow and beat it with this.

Rainbow Prism / Germany - $75 - Rainbow on demand, if you have sun, you have rainbow.

Famos Peeler / Germany - $12 - A peeler that contradicts everything you have been told about peelers, for one you pull towards you, for two it is dangerous.