Finish Design is popular in Japan, and we have a chance to know the essence of Finish Design.
At Bunkamura Museum in Shibuya, “Finish Design” is held until Jan. 30th, 2022.
This exhibition is composed of these 6themes as below.
1. A masterpiece of natural beauty in the form of organic curves
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for artists. In particular, the forest and the trees are essential to Finish people. They are used as material to shape the characteristic design. The organic forms have come to symbolize Finnish design.
In this exhibition, there are vases, glasses, textiles, furnitures, etc. which remind us forests and trees because of its colour and form. We could know how Finnish people love the nature.
2. Functional forms – a world of finely honed practical beauty, the secret of a long seller
The keywords of Finish design are simple, rational, and functional. This design is quite effective for mass production and daily life. It made Finish’s lifestyle improve to achieve the quality of life.
Actually Finnish products are so simple and functional. They were made in 1950’s, however it is easy to find similar products in MUJI shop in 2022.
3. Challenging forms from the golden age of Finnish design
In the 1950s, the emergence of a unique design style moved away from rational functionalism, and the “golden age” of Finnish design has arrived. The beautiful lines and abstract, organic forms were acclaimed on the international stage, such as at the Triennale. This achievement of international fame was a boost to national self-esteem.
North European designs are getting more popular in recent years. Because their basic styles, simplicity, inspiration from nature, and usability for daily life are quite adapted to these digitalized societies.
4. Picturesque patterns and decoration in textiles
After the war, when demand for home textiles increased dramatically, established companies such as Finlayson and Tampella competed with the Marimekko to produce and export modern textiles. As well as traditional patterns, innovative patterns were created, inspired by the paintings and crafts of the same period.
At this exhibition, a lot of female designers are featured. It means that women have been working as the most important roles in Finnish design industry,
5. Modern design for everyday life
In search of a personal style – tips for an exciting life
In the 1960s, with the advent of modern consumerism, people began to search for their style and fashion, so advertising began to play an increasingly important role. The advertisements, magazines, and catalogs that inspired Finnish women to live a modern life were produced.
I found the advertisements in this exhibit are not too luxurious nor cutting-edge, rather daily style with a bit of unique taste. This design gives us comfortable and relaxing feeling.
6. Toys, books, products – design for children
As Finland grew into one of the welfare states, with the hope for the future of children, the demand for children’s products also increased. Finnish fairy-tale characters were introduced one after another, and the Moomins became a worldwide sensation.
Finland is well known for loving children. So no wonder why the characters born in Finland have grabbed the children’s hearts.
It is a good exhibition to see in winter season. Finnish design is modern, simple very functional, however we feel somehow warmness in the design and actually it is really comfortable to use their products. Learn how to enjoy, or rather take advantage of the cold and tough weather through this exhibit as the expert country, Finland!