Karl FM

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'New Olds: Design between Tradition and Innovation' explored relationships between tradition and innovation in contemporary design. The show, at RMIT Gallery, included work from 57 international and three local designers. Mitchell's piece 'Karl FM', was a wall hanging with integrated technology. Visiting German curator Volker Albus selected the piece for inclusion in the show. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Karl FM' combines iconic 1970s European design, in the form of a Bang & Olufsen stereo designed by Jacob Jensen, with an abstract painting from the German/Australian artist Karl Wiebke and an iPod music player. Originally developed for the Craft Victoria exhibition Craft Cubed (2011) the work is re-presented within the context of the New Olds exhibition. This representation shifts the work's focus to the field of design, exploring relationships between iconic European design, abstract art practice and domestic furnishings. Introducing a functional logic to Wiebke's abstract painting raises questions regarding the role of artistic expression in design and highlights the clear cultural distinctions that operate at the border of art and design. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The work continues Mitchell's research into practices of modification and regimes of cultural value that surround mass-produced and hand crafted objects. The significance of 'Karl FM' is demonstrated by its selection for inclusion in this international show, one of only 3 Australians to be honoured in this way. The exhibition hosted a number of public lectures (7 Dec 2012, 13 Dec 2012, 7 Mar 2013) and the RMIT Gallery website presents an online interview with Mitchell. Mitchell's work was referenced in numerous newspaper and journal articles, including The Age (Penny Webb, 'The art of togetherness brings its creative rewards', 28 Dec 2012'); Australian Design Review (5 Dec 2012); and Melbourne Review (Evelyn Tsitas, 'When Everything Old is New Again, Jan 2013).