See more objects with the tag insects, movement, installation.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2015

  • Work on this object began.

2019

2025

  • You found it!

Curiosity Cloud

It was designed by Katharina Mischer and Thomas Traxler and studio of mischer'traxler. It is dated 2015–2019. Its medium is installation, specimen display, book. It is a part of the department.

Each bulb in this immersive installation contains a hand-fabricated replica of a different insect, many from New York and the surrounding area. Some species are found commonly in nature, others are endangered or extinct, and still others are invasive. Curiosity Cloud unites species of insects that would never coexist in the natural world. Moving through the installation activates the insects to flutter within their bulbs, facilitating a dialogue with nature.

It is credited Courtesy of mischer'traxler Studio.

  • Cricket Cage And Base (Japan)
  • rattan, bamboo, lacquered wood (base); fiber, paper, silk, feathers....
  • Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
  • 1916-40-3-a,b

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Nature—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318798826/ |title=Curiosity Cloud |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>