Illusive Objects

Our brains identify what we see in a fraction of a second, but our eyes can deceive us—sometimes by design. This exhibition explores the pleasures and pitfalls of illusive objects, things that are not as they seem. The installation brings together more than 50 works drawn from the Goldstein’s permanent collection—apparel, jewelry, ceramics, products, furniture, and textiles—organized in three sections: Trick of the Eye, Borrowed Time, and Material Masquerade. Visitors will encounter garments rarely on view, including a Fortuny “Delphos” gown and Schiaparelli “bark” dress, alongside unlikely neighbors, such as a Corn King casserole, Davy Crockett hat, knockoff handbags, and 2008 iPhone 3G. Across themes of perception, imitation, reproduction, and authenticity, the curators invite consideration of design motives and our varying roles in meaning-making. View the LibGuide.

Installation view of the exhibition "Illusive Objects." April 1–July 2, 2026. The Goldstein Museum of Design. Photograph by Allyson Gillstrom.

This exhibition is organized by Jean McElvain, curator, and Aidan O’Connor, director, with Mansoureh (Sophie) Nikookar, collection grad assistant, Goldstein Museum of Design. Thank you to Laureen Berlin-Burns, registrar and exhibition coordinator, and Kim Cao Pfeffer, graphic design grad assistant.