Scandinavia House

Past Exhibitions 2011

North by New York: New Nordic Art

April 14, 2011 – August 19, 2011

North by New York: New Nordic Art, a focused survey of contemporary Scandinavian art, opened at Scandinavia House on April 14, 2011. Showcasing the work of fourteen artists, the exhibition is organized by The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF), New York City, and curated by internationally renowned scholar and critic Robert Storr, with art historian and independent curator Francesca Pietropaolo. North by New York features works by established leaders of contemporary Nordic art, such as Per Kirkeby and Cecilia Edefalk, as well as mid-career and emerging artists, including Marte Aas, Libia Castro and Ólafur Ólafsson, Sara-Vide Ericson, Petri Sirviö and Mieskuoro Huutajat (Screaming Men’s Choir), Henrik Lund Jørgensen, Tal R, Gunnel Wåhlstrand, and Saana Wang, among others. All of the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—are represented.

Encompassing a wide range of media—including performance, video, and installation art, as well as painting, drawing, and photography—the exhibition reveals a multiplicity and complexity of content and form that undermines the widely held notion of a homogenous Scandinavian society. Indeed, the proliferation of new art by Scandinavian artists in recent years highlights the fact that the Nordic countries are today as pluralistic as any place in the world.

North by New York is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, with an introductory essay by Robert Storr and Francesca Pietropaolo. Published by The American-Scandinavian Foundation, the catalogue ($25) will be available for purchase at The Shop @ Scandinavia House.

Read Ken Johnson’s review in The New York Times (July 8, 2011)

Read Jarrett Earnet's review in The Brooklyn Rail

See North by New York featured on WNET's Sunday Arts

Organized by The American-Scandinavian Foundation, North by New York: New Nordic Art was made possible by support from William B. and Inger Gundersen Ginsberg; the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; the ASF Centennial Fund; the Bonnier Family Fund for Contemporary Art; the Robert and Joyce Menschel Family Foundation; the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York; the Consulate General of Finland, New York; and the Consulate General of Sweden, New York.

Gotland Design Exhibition

October 30 - November 2
Scandinavia House, Volvo Hall
Hours: 12:00 – 8:00 PM (Sunday Oct 30, 6:00 – 8:00 PM)
Free admission

Experience Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, through its art and design at the Gotland Design Exhibition at Scandinavia House, which showcases artists and designers who all live and work on Gotland.

Gotland’s rare beauty and unique atmosphere have inspired painters, sculptors, and artisans since the late 19th century, and today Gotlandic artists are known for their work with materials typical of the island, such as wool, wood, limestone, and concrete.

The Gotland Design Exhibition brings together artists and designers who all live and work on Gotland. On display will be beautifully crafted installations inspired by the natural landscape and colors of Gotland.

More information: www.visitsweden.com/gotland

From October 30 through November 5, Gotland in New York, an exhibition and event series at Scandinavia House will celebrate and highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Gotland, Sweden’s largest island. Gotland in New York is an initiative by The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York that partnered with Gotland and VisitSweden to create this event in connection with its Fourth Annual Green Summit in New York City.

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Past Exhibitions 2010

SNØHETTA: architecture – landscape – interior

February 4, 2010 – April 24, 2010

The innovative, award-winning, and environmentally conscious architectural firm, Snøhetta, is featured in a multi-faceted exhibition. SNØHETTA architecture – landscape – interior offers insight into the design and construction of the firm’s most important works, including the celebrated Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, the recently completed Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo, Norway, and the planned National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion in New York. Organized and initially presented by the National Museum – Architecture in 2009, this exhibition includes films, photographs, drawings, models, and interactive learning devices.

Formed in 1989 in Oslo when three Norwegians, one Austrian, and one American won a competition to design Alexandria’s new library, Snøhetta is an international architectural and design firm with its main offices in both Oslo and New York. The Snøhetta team now consists of 120 internationally diverse staff collaborating to produce eco-friendly designs connecting culture and landscape. The firm’s philosophy sets a high standard for all of its projects to be socially conscious and sustainable. Its designs are characterized by a symbiotic relationship between context and landscape; they aim to achieve harmony between buildings and their surroundings, both cultural and environmental.

Among Snøhetta’s first completed projects, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was commissioned to resurrect the long-extinct library of Alexandria. The structure embodies the unique juncture of its location: nestled between the contemporary metropolis of Alexandria, its ancient Mediterranean harbor, and the vast Sahara Desert. Architects incorporated local and historical materials, from a hieroglyph-covered granite façade to papyrus in the reflecting pool. Its tilting, circular construction captures iconography that spans culture and continents. As the lines extend from earth to horizon to sky, they pull the visitors through past, present, and future; the physical design parallels the human experience of time, reminding visitors of the unique crossroads at which the Bibliotheca stands.

Since this initial project, the team has completed several other works projecting a similar vision of creating accessible designs integrating surrounding culture, climate, and ecosystems. This most notably includes the 2008 Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, which won the 2009 Mies van der Rohe Award—the European Union Prize for contemporary architecture. Upcoming projects include the King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture, Saudi Arabia, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion, New York City, along with a number of new projects in North and Central America from Canada to Guatemala.

The exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of Snøhetta’s innovative designs using various media including films, photographs, computer visualizations, drawings, models, and an interactive multi-touch table. Divided into eight units, the installation presents 11 of Snøhetta’s most important projects. Models of several Snøhetta designs will be on view, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Opera House in Oslo, the Ras Al-Khaimah Gateway Project, the King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture, and Tubaloon—Kongsberg Jazz Festival Band Shelter. Through these diverse means of demonstration, this installation provides a glimpse into the working methods and visions of the architects at Snøhetta, and a preview of some of their work to come.

Sponsored by the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, the publication of a comprehensive catalogue of Snøhetta’s designs, Snøhetta Works (Lars Muller Publishers, 2009) will be available for viewing and purchase at Scandinavia House in Volvo Hall.

Commissioned by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition is produced by Norway’s National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design in close collaboration with Snøhetta. Support for the exhibition has been provided by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York and Tova Borgnine. The curator is Eva Madshus, Senior Curator at the National Museum—Architecture in Oslo.

Read Ada Louise Huxtable’s recent review in the WSJ here.

Read Pierre Alexandre de Looz’s recent review on artinfo.com here.

Gallery Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 pm
Gallery Admission: FREE

Eco Chic – Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion

May 4, 2010 – August 21, 2010 at Scandinavia House

Eco Chic – Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion opened at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, May 5, 2010 and showcases Swedish fashion designers who take an environmentally-friendly and ethical approach to their work, without sacrificing style. On view through August 21, this exhibition illuminates high-fashion alternatives to much of today’s environmentally harmful clothing.

Proving that “going green” is more than a feel-good fad, Swedish designers collaborated to establish a culture of sustainable fashion. The fashion industry faces major challenges in both resources and labor, but designers featured in the Eco Chic exhibition strive to change the general attitude of fashion and consumption. They believe that sustainable development is not simply an empty phrase, and fashion is not just about appearance. This touring exhibition from The Swedish Institute (SI), which premiered in Belgrade in the winter of 2008, has visited major international cities including Minsk, Kiev, Riga, Istanbul, and most recently Berlin. The installation at Scandinavia House in New York marks the first American stop on this tour.

Sustainable clothing has typically been distinguishable by its appearance. Now, as Eco Chic illustrates, ethical fashion looks no different from conventionally produced clothing; it can be exciting and it is possible to construct high fashion garments with sustainable and ecological practices. What sets this kind of fashion apart is implicit in the values and attitudes of individual designers. The ecological and ethical production of clothing begins with the design of a garment, and continues right through to the finished product, including the transparency of fashion companies about their production processes and materials.

Eco Chic designers aspire to create a culture of principled design and production. Through this touring exhibition, they hope to inform consumers that fashion can be simultaneously stylish and sustainable.

Eco Chic—Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion presents garments and footwear by various Swedish fashion designers. Designers featured in this exhibition include: Anja Hynynen (www.anjah.se); Bergman’s (www.bergmansweden.se); Camilla Norrback (www.camillanorrback.com); Dem Collective (www.demcollective.com); Johanna Hofring (www.johannahofring.com, www.ekovaruhuset.se); Julian Red (www.julianred.com); Nudie (www.nudiejeans.com); Pia Anjou (www.pianjou.com); Reflective Circle (www.reflectivecircle.com); Righteous Fashion (www.righteousfashion.se); Swedish Hasbeens (www.swedishhasbeens.com); and Zion (www.zionclothing.se).

This exhibition is commissioned and produced by The Swedish Institute. The curator and exhibition architect is Karin Gräns.

The Swedish Institute is a public agency that promotes interest in Sweden abroad. SI seeks to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges. SI works closely with Swedish embassies and consulates around the world. Please visit http://www.si.se/English/ for more information.

Support for this exhibition was provided by The Swedish Institute, and the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.

Gallery Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 pm
Gallery Admission: FREE
Free gallery admission is made possible by a generous grant provided by The Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation

Nordic Models + Common Ground

The First in a Series of ASF Centennial Exhibitions
October 29, 2010 – March 16, 2011

The American-Scandinavian Foundation’s Scandinavia House presents Nordic Models + Common Ground: Art and Design Unfolded, an exhibition organized by Norsk Form in collaboration with The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF). The exhibition is curated by the internationally renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, which also designed the installation, in collaboration with Situ Studio. The first in a series of programs marking the ASF’s centennial, Nordic Models + Common Ground offers a visionary look at contemporary Nordic art and design, examining nascent trends and their impact on the global art and design communities. All of the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—are represented.

The exhibition examines architecture, product design, fine art, graphic design, fashion, and photography by thirty-five artists and designers. This diverse, boundary-crossing body of work demonstrates the many ways in which contemporary Nordic designers are embracing socially responsible design that reflects the egalitarianism inherent to their societies. Moreover, with projects ranging from a violin to textiles, from a public outdoor shelter to lamps made from dried codfish skin, the exhibition demonstrates not only functionality, craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials, but also humor, cultural commentary, and a focus on new technologies.

Use your cell phone to learn more about Nordic Models + Common Ground: Art and Design Unfolded! Hear Craig Dykers, Snøhetta co-founder, share his thoughts and guide you through this diverse, boundary-crossing exhibition.

Call 1.646.205.8057 to begin the FREE audio tour (no cost except your minutes)!

Read Elaine Louie’s write-up of the exhibition in the Home section of The New York Times

Organized by The American-Scandinavian Foundation in collaboration with Norsk Form - The Foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway, Nordic Models + Common Ground was made possible by support from William B. and Inger Gundersen Ginsberg; The Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; the ASF Centennial Fund; the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York; the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Consulate General of Finland, New York; and the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.

Exhibition design: Snøhetta & Situ Studio.

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Past Exhibitions 2009

Victor Borge: A Centennial Exhibition

January 4, 2009 – May 2, 2009

Affectionately known as “The Great Dane,” Victor Borge was a unique combination of musician, humorist, and humanitarian. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth, The American-Scandinavian Foundation presents Victor Borge: A Centennial Exhibition at Scandinavia House, The Nordic Center in America. Continuing through May 2nd, 2009, this significant exhibition explores his life and achievements through a collection of film clips, recordings, photographs and memorabilia from Borge’s personal archives.

In the nearly 70 years that he lived in the United States, Victor Borge performed on the radio, in films, on television, in opera houses, sports arenas, and the White House. In 1956, he secured a permanent place in Broadway history with his Comedy In Music, which still holds the record for the longest-running one-man show.

Distinctively Danish, his comedy encouraged audience interaction and found humor in the mundane. Mr. Borge effectively used physical and visual elements during his live and televised performances, maintaining a consistent, dynamic energy and high level of spontaneity, marked by impeccable timing and highly developed musicality.

Recognized as an ambassador of goodwill in both his native Denmark and his adopted America, Borge was knighted by the five Nordic countries and honored by both the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. He received Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 and was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Statue of Liberty Centennial Committee.

Born Børge Rosenbaum in Denmark on January 3, 1909, Mr. Borge trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and began his career in Denmark in the 1930s. While touring in Sweden, the Third Reich invaded Denmark, rendering it impossible for Borge to return and resume his career there. He left for the United States a few months later aboard the USS American Legion (the last passenger ship to leave Europe for America at the onset of World War II) arriving stateside on August 28, 1940.

Through his career and his humanitarian efforts, Victor Borge influenced the lives of countless Americans and Scandinavians alike. A strong proponent of Danish-American friendship, he opened the eyes of many Americans to Danish culture.

Support for the exhibition was provided by the Scan|Design by Inger and Jens Bruun Foundation; the Sanna and Victor Borge Memorial Fund; the Elsie H. Hillman Foundation; Flemming and Judy Heilmann; Bicky and George Kellner; Peter Flinch; Stig Host; Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr.; Scott Gonge; Lennard Rambusch, Esq.; Joan M. Warburg, and Ambassador Richard B. and Mrs. Marlene Stone.

Northern (L)attitudes: Norwegian and American Contemporary Art

May 29, 2009 – September 19, 2009

A collection of photographs, paintings, videos and mixed media, this exhibition will celebrate the works of nine provocative contemporary artists (four American, five Norwegian) all of whom are American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowship recipients: Eric Aho, Marion Belanger, Lene Berg, Sandra Binion, Kjell Bjørgeengen, Ole Martin Lund Bø, Unn Fahlstrøm, Nina Katchadourian and Are Mokkelbost.

A transatlantic cross-pollination of concepts and mediums, Northern (L)attitudes explores how each country’s geography, environment and culture informs the work of the artist. The exhibition will highlight intersections of cultural exchange and how they occur.

As evident through their works, the American artists were clearly taken with Scandinavia’s flora and fauna, keenly observing and investigating its geography, climate, vegetation, and wildlife through paintings interpreting ice and forest, and photographs and video delineating landscape, rocks and animal behavior.

In contrast, the Norwegian artists are occupied with societal conventions and visceral intangibilities. During their time in the United States, these artists drew inspiration from politics, sound, and the visual rhetoric of power and color, among other things.

The exhibition was supported by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York.

Read more about the artists.

Carl Fredrik Hill: Swedish Visionary and Modernist
Drawings from the Malmö Art Museum

October 1, 2009 – January 9, 2010

Over 75 works, most never before seen in U.S., reveal Hill as prophet of Surrealism and Expressionist art

The first major exhibition in America devoted to Carl Fredrik Hill (1849-1911), one of the most important and original Swedish artists of the 19th century, focuses on the series of astonishingly visionary and expressive drawings Hill produced during the last 30 years of his life, a period in which he was regarded as incurably insane. Although derided by his contemporaries, these late drawings are now recognized as important precursors of such movements as Surrealism, Expressionism, and even Pop art. Many of today’s leading artists, including Georg Baselitz, Donald Baechler, Arnulf Rainer, and Per Kirkeby, have been influenced by Hill’s work.

The selection of over 75 drawings, many never before exhibited in the U.S., comes from the collections of Sweden’s Malmö Art Museum, a major repository of the artist’s work.

Acclaimed in his youth as Sweden’s most gifted exponent of French Impressionism, at age 28 Hill suffered a mental breakdown from which he never recovered. During his long period of confinement, until his death at age 62, he drew obsessively, creating a parallel world inhabited by images drawn from nature, memory, art history, and his imaginative fantasy. By turns apocalyptic and lyrically poetic, the works on view represent the extraordinarily wide range of styles, techniques, and imagery that Hill explored during this time. Variously executed in chalk, crayon, and pen, they range from violently/wildly expressionistic scene of the Scandinavian countryside and erotically charged nudes, to extraordinarily complex and precisely drawn interiors of fantastic temples and palaces, to haunting portraits of family and friends.

Carl Fredrik Hill, Swedish Visionary and Modernist: Drawings from the Malmö Art Museum was organized by the Malmö Art Museum, one of the leading art museums of Scandinavia. Its collection of some 32,000 objects includes over 2,000 works by Carl Fredrik Hill. The exhibition curator is Göran Christenson, Director of the Malmö Art Museum.

Christenson will be present at the opening of the exhibition and will give a talk on his impressions of Hill and reflect on the contemporary aspect of his drawings.

Support for this exhibition was generously provided by a grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. Additional funding was provided by the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.

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