Nordic Models + Common Ground: Art and Design Unfolded was an exhibition organized by Norsk Form in collaboration with the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF). The exhibition was curated by the internationally renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, which also designed the installation, in collaboration with Situ Studio. Nordic Models was also the first in a series of programs marking ASF’s centennial. The exhibition offers a visionary look at contemporary Nordic art and design, examining trends and their impact on the global art and design communities. All five of the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—were represented.
The exhibition examined architecture, product design, fine art, graphic design, fashion, and photography by 35 artists and designers. This diverse, boundary-crossing body of work demonstrated 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 demonstrated not only functionality, craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials, but also humor, cultural commentary, and a focus on new technologies.
Read Elaine Louie’s write-up of the exhibition in the Home section of The New York Times
Denmark:
BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) – architecture (firm)
Bureau Detour – design/art/urban design (firm/collective)
Jeppe Hein – sculpture and installation (individual)
Mathias Bengtsson – furniture design (individual)
Studio Louise Campbell – industrial design (individual)
Finland:
Anne Kyrrö Quinn – industrial design (individual)
Anttinen Oiva Architects – architecture (firm)
David Salmela – architecture (individual)
Elina Brotherus – photography (individual)
Hollmén Reuter Sandman – architecture (firm)
JKMM Architects – architecture (firm)
NOW for Architecture & Urbanism Oy – architecture & urban design (firm)
Iceland:
bara Design/Bjargey Ingólfsdóttir – design (individual)
Fanney Antonsdóttir & Dögg Guðmundsdóttir – industrial design (individuals)
Hans Johansson – luthier (individual)
Katrin Ólina – graphic art and design (individual)
Landslag – landscape architecture (firm)
Studiobility/Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir – product and industrial design (firm)
Norway:
Atelier Oslo – architecture (firm)
BC Barlindhaug – architecture (firm)
Daniel Rybakken – industrial design (individual)
Fantastic Norway AS – architecture (firm)
Helen and Hard – architecture (firm)
Jarmund-Vigsnæs AS – architecture (firm)
Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor AS – architecture (firm)
Jorunn Sannes – architecture (individual)
Liv Blåvarp – jewelry design (individual)
Marit Helen Akslen – fashion/textile design (individual)
May Bente Aronsen – artist (individual)
Sweden:
FORM US WITH LOVE – industrial design (firm)
Front – industrial design (firm)
Lars Tunbjörk – photography (individual)
Monica Förster – industrial design (individual)
Sandra Backlund – fashion design (individual)
Wingårdhs Design – architecture (firm)