Nordic Models + Common Ground: Art and Design Unfolded

through March 9 '11

Scandinavia House
New York

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF), in collaboration with Norsk Form—The Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway, are currently presenting 'Nordic Models'; an overview of contemporary Scandinavian design curated by architecture firm Snøhetta.

The show features work from across the scandinavian region with 35 designers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden featured, with work spanning architecture, product design, fine art, graphic design, fashion, and photography.

The past fifty years have seen a flourishing of Nordic design projects that are not only focused on the social good, but that also demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and
functionality, as well as humor, cultural commentary, and the versatile application of new technologies.

The projects included illuminate various themes, many relating to the crossing of boundaries; between individual and social identities, tradition and innovation, new materials and long established forms, fine art and commercial culture.

Many projects also highlight a focus on some of the unique physical and geological phenomena that shape life in the Nordic countries. For example, light, is a focus of both Daniel Rybakken’s Daylight Entrance and Atelier Oslo’s Lantern House. The historic reliance on the sea is evoked by the “Uggi” Lights, surrealistic lamps made of codfish skins, by Icelandic designers Fanney Antonsdóttir and Dögg Guđmundsdóttir. Elsewhere, works such as Lava Flower, by Studiobility/Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir pays homage to the volcanic landscape.

For more information
Scandinavia House
Snøhetta

'Spun Chair' by Mathias Bengtsson

'Lava Flower', by Studiobility/Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir

'Butterfly Disguise II' by Liv Blåvarp

'Kimu', Finland's Shanghai expo pavilion designed by JKMM

'Uggi Light' by Fanney Antonsdóttir and Dögg Guđmundsdóttir

Svalbard Global Seed Vault, designed by BC Barlindhaug