Ornament Is, was an exhibit at the Bridgeport Art Center and online in late 2023. Curated by Stephen Wierzbowski, FAIA, and Josh Mings, AIA, the museum-scaled exhibition explored contemporary ornamental theory in architecture and design, with particular attention to new and emerging theories. The exhibition included drawings, paintings, photographs, essays, models, and artifacts from over 30 different contributors.
Participating architects, designers, artists, theorists, and historians teamed with fabricators and builders to each address what ornament was, is, and might be. The exhibit examined how the rapid advancement of digital building technology contributes to trends in building aesthetics and explored new and innovative practices related to material expression and building ornamentation in juxtaposition to traditional architectural craftsmanship. Participants also explored how ornament adds meaning and personality to buildings, and reinvigorate elements of inspired art and design in architecture.
Participating Architects, Artists, and Historians: Audri Phillips, Barbara Fitzpatrick, Bill Turner, Catherine Wetzel, Dan Wheeler, FAIA, Darcy Bonner, AIA, Emily Handley, Jeff Delong, Jens Brasch, John Clark, AIA, Jonathan Boyer, FAIA, Jordan Mozer, Josh Mings, AIA, Kenneth Schroeder, FAIA, Laurie Buman, Mama Coco, Mark Jones, AIA, Michael Henning, AIA, Patrick Slansky, Peter Exley, FAIA, Peter Landon, FAIA, Phil Enquist, FAIA, Ross Wimer, FAIA, Sifan ‘Lydia’ Cheng, AIA, Stephen Wierzbowski, FAIA, Thomas Boyster, AIA, Thomas Rossiter, FAIA, William Kolano
Project Information
Project Type: Exhibit
Sponsors: Wierzbowski, PLLC | Bridgeport Art Center | Aggregate Studio
Photos: Taylor Larue Media
Links: ornamentis.org, 10 Art Shows to See in Chicago This Fall | Hyperallergic | Zoë Lescaze
