Exhibition highlights Ray Eames' manual talents and graphic skills

(Nicholas Calcott/CASACOR)

Ray Kaiser Eames (1912–88) trained as an artist and Charles as an architect, but each brought many more skills and interests to what – beginning with their marriage in 1941 – became one of the most creative partnerships of the 20th century ; a which mainly covered design (from furniture and toys to exhibitions), short films (over 125) and multimedia presentations. It’s almost impossible to be part of the world of modern design and not know about the prolific husband-and-wife team – Charles and Ray – responsible for co-founding the Eames Office . As creators of so many iconic designs , they and their influence have been celebrated for decades.

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

Now, the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has launched an exhibition – Ray’s Hand – that focuses exclusively on Ray, her talents, and the gender roles she worked against that were typical of the time. The exhibition opens on December 15, 2022 to mark what would have been its 110th anniversary . The exhibition is free for everyone to explore and enjoy online . Drawing from the Eames Institute’s collection— which includes items that have not been seen since the Eames Office closed in 1988 —the exhibition highlights artifacts such as sketches, scraps and tools that were integral parts of Ray’s creative process.

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

Each item illustrates Ray's contributions and talents , which can sometimes be seen as obscure. Meanwhile, Charles knew better, always saying "anything I can do, she [Ray] can do better."

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

Behind the scenes, Ray was also a set decorator, stylist, colorist, materials consultant, and host—all roles that were downplayed and misinterpreted at the time as small roles assigned to women. When in fact, Ray was a trailblazer who deserves her due. part of the spotlight for doing things that are now their own individual industries.

(Nicholas Calcott/CASACOR)

Ray’s love of functional design even spilled over into his own wardrobe. Llisa , the couple’s granddaughter, shared that Ray designed his own skirts and dresses to include plenty of pockets “to hold some change, his wallet, a magnifying glass, pens, scissors in a sheath, small notepads, a calendar, safety pins, keys, hairpins, paper clips, a lace-edged scarf, grosgrain ribbons, paper color swatches, business cards, a Polaroid camera – and even, every now and then, a gift like a Steiff teddy bear that she gave me.”

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

“My grandmother helped shape my view of design. I saw from her how design was a powerful tool for evaluating and solving problems. I learned from Ray and Charles how an object can become so well designed that you forget it was ever designed – how a spinning top or a kite,” says Llisa. Information: Design Milk

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