To Hell with the Simple Paper Clip

“If thereís one design clichÈ that has come to really irritate me, itís this one: answering the question ‘Whatís your favorite design?’ with an answer like ‘The simple paper clip.’ Or the rubber band. Or the stop sign. Or the Post-It Note. Or any other humble, unauthored object from everyday life. To me, this is like answering the question ìWhatís your favorite song?î with ìYou know, is there any song as beautiful as the laughter of a child?î Itís corny. Itís lazy. Itís a cop-out… The white t-shirt and 121 other objects are on currently on view at New Yorkís Museum of Modern Art, in an exhibition that will either be the last word on the subject or start a new orgy of paper clip fetishization. ìHumble Masterpieces,î on view through September 27th, was organized by the first-rate curator (and unrepentant Post-It Note fan) Paola Antonelli, and includes the Bic Pen, the whisk broom, the tennis ball, and bubble wrap.”