Squishmatician Calculator
Caption
Harry Allen American, born 1964. Squishmatician Calculator, Designed 1997. Silicone, rubber, electronic components, 5 x 3 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 7.6 x 1.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Design Ideas, 2001.11. Creative Commons-BY
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Designer
Manufacturer
Title
Squishmatician Calculator
Date
Designed 1997
Geography
Place manufactured: Springfield, Illinois, United States
Medium
Silicone, rubber, electronic components
Classification
Dimensions
5 x 3 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 7.6 x 1.9 cm)
Markings
(needs to be checked)
Credit Line
Gift of Design Ideas
Accession Number
2001.11
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
What is a calculator doing here?
When the American Art curator gave us a tour of these galleries, she reminded us that this calculator was really cutting-edge when it was first made. The clear silicone (the "squishy" plastic-like material) allows light to reach the solar-power battery; plus, it's unbreakable if the calculator is dropped or crushed. It also shows us exactly what's inside the object.Many of those objects were innovative when they were first produced in their use of materials, or in their approach to shape/form. They're all everyday objects, too. Those little blue ceramics took a new approach to design because they were really made to be used by an adult holding a baby easy to grip when your hands are otherwise full!You could also compare the calculator to other items in that case that use transparent materials -- but glass, instead of silicone! -- for see-through effects.Hi! We were surprised by the Squishmatician Calculator by Harry Allen in the case with dishes. Can you tell us more about that and the decision to put those objects in the same group on display?
When the American Art curator gave us a tour of these galleries, she reminded us that this calculator was really cutting-edge when it was first made. The clear silicone (the "squishy" plastic-like material) allows light to reach the solar-powered battery; plus, it's unbreakable if the calculator is dropped or crushed.It also shows us exactly what's inside the object. Many of the objects in that case were innovative when they were first produced in their use of materials, or in their approach to shape/form. They're all everyday objects, too!There are some other transparent objects nearby, as well including some glassware, and a chair by Louis Dierra.
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