This book examines the outstanding design achievements of Finland over the last seven decades, focusing on the central and decisive role played by Modernism. It is the first volume in English to provide a thorough account of the artistic and cultural qualities of Finnish design as distinguished from the design of its Nordic and other European neighbors. Also considered are the principal ideas, individuals, and influences that combined to produce Finnish modernism, as well as its international reception. The book discusses the renowned work of such Finnish architects and designers as Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck, and Timo Sarpaneva, and of manufacturers including Artek, Arabia, and Marimekko. It features separate discussions of architecture, ceramics, glass, furniture, metalwork, jewelry, product design, textiles, and woodworking and concludes with a consideration of the position of design in contemporary Finnish culture. This book is the catalogue for an exhibition at The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts held from February 26, 1998, to June 1998
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
The Ambivalence of Finnish Culture
The Other Modernism: Finnish Design and Nationl Identity
Architecture and Modern Identity in Finland
Objects for Everyday Life: Aspects of Finnish Design Since the 1980s
Opportunities and Ideals in Modern Furniture Design in Finland
National and International Aspects of Finnish Glass
Simplicity and Materialism in the Design of Finnish Jewelry and Metalwork
Finnish Textiles en Route to Modernity
Finnish Ceramics: From Everyday Objects to Art
Finding a Place in a New World Order: Finland, America and the "Design in Scandinavia" Exhibition, 1954-1975
Catalogue of the Exhibition
Checklist of the Exhibition
Selected Histories of Finnish Companies in the Applied Arts
Bibliography