New design trends in Finland, which has produced a wealth of innovative products during this century, are a highlight of a massive exhibition at The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
The exhibit, “Designed in Finland,” is a summerlong salute to the revitalized leadership of that small country in contemporary design arts. “After a period of uncertainty in the 1980s, Finland has re-emerged with a renewed sense of optimism in the design arts,” says Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, Athenaeum director and the curator of the show, which opened Tuesday and runs through Sept. 17.
“Finnish designers in the 1990s have found a way to create something unique and visually stimulating … with a bold, fresh and exciting new edge that is intrinsically Finnish,” he added.
“Designed in Finland” takes place in two of the Athenaeum’s satellite pavilions: Gallery I at 515 N. State St., and 333 Gallery at 333 W. Wacker Dr.
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At Gallery I, “Timo Sarpaneva: Past and Present” is a 40 year retrospective of Finland’s most important glass and silver designer. It is complemented by his newer works for Finland’s new presidential residence.
“New Design Trends in Finland,” on display at the 333 Gallery, offers a re- trospective view of state-of-the-art Finnish architecture, industrial design, furnishings, textiles, glassware, jewelry and home appliances.
A grand opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gallery I. Call: 312-280-0131.