Image via Complex Original
The internationally renowned exhibition "Norwegian Icons: Important Norwegian Design" is coming to New York City from May 23 to June 1 at Openhouse Gallery. The exhibition features over 500 pieces from 1940-1975, a significant era in Norwegian history and its design legacy. The show, which has gained successful reception in both Oslo and Tokyo, includes rare decorative arts, jewelry, and furniture, as well as fine art pieces by Norwegian artists, including Edvard Munch.
We got in touch with the "Norwegian Icons" team, who gave us some extra insight into the exhibition and Norwegian design's contribution to the international field as a whole. Here are 10 Reasons Norwegian Design is Awesome.
RELATED: The Best Designed Card Games on the Market Right Now
RELATED: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Dieter Rams
Norway's history as an underdog meant its design style could develop independently.
"The legacy of Norway differs quite substantially from the other countries in the Scandinavian mid-century era. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark were all powerful countries in the region. Norway was the poorest country in Europe in the 1800s and functioned essentially as a colony for Denmark or Sweden, depending on who was in charge at the time, producing wood and fish. Simultaneously, it was also one of the biggest shipping nations in Europe.
"We gained our independence from Sweden in 1905. We rebuilt the country after the war, and the design traditions of Norway were able to develop without strong conservative influences from the continent.
"Being a young and free country, we had a more playful approach to materials and therefore the result is this unique diversity. One of the most outstanding art forms that was developed during this time was pieces in enamel, glass, metal, as well as the carvings and production of special wood pieces."
The country stood up to the Nazis during WWII, and experienced a post-war design boom as a result.
"The fact that Norway did not embrace the Nazi ideology was one of the biggest surprises to the Nazi leaders. Post-WWII was the golden era of design and production. Everybody worked very hard to reach the goal of creating housing for everybody. The rebuilding made the need for production of 'housing' equipment and other interior objects explosive.
"This, along with the new methods of the industrialization and the strong quality craft traditions, made this a magic and unique point in time. The production and innovation was at a peak. Everybody was supposed to take part in this, as the beautiful design was for every man and woman and not just the wealthy upper class."
There is an open dialogue between Norwegian fine art, design, and architecture.
"We believe that all shapes of creation speak together and effect each other. We wanted to show art as a underline of design. Art, architecture, and design all speak together, and their practitioners are often friends, family, and colleagues in the same environment."
Edvard Munch, who painted The Scream, hailed from Norway.
"This was of course significant, and the fact that Norwegian artist got recognition internationally was important for the self-esteem of the young creatives of the nation."
Norwegian designers believe that beautiful and functional objects should be accessible to all.
"Arne Lindaas and Fredirk Kayser may be my two favorites, not export focused, working with making beautiful things for the internal market, along with everybody at Plus Design group in Fredrikstad. Einar Barnes, the whole bunch, represented these values. Sven Ivar Dysthe was also very much a pioneer and made the chairs that everybody had."
Norwegian design emphasizes durability and quality.
"Being part of a poorer region of the world historically, the need for durable products is also something that is a part of the tradition. We design with attention to quality and produce things that last a lifetime."
It doesn't sacrifice function for aesthetic appeal.
"It's hard to say whether designers approach their projects as functional or as beautiful foremost. When you look at the diversity you will see that for the furniture makers, function comes first. But for some, it is the other way around."
The striking natural environment of Norway is reflected in its design tradition.
"Just being close to nature in a region where you have all seasons influences the pieces. Nature is always at present, which of course influences one's mentality and respect for resources, quality, and duration."
Norway helped popularize simplicity and natural forms in international design.
"Norway influenced international design with its modesty in design and the affection of simple organic structures. This might come from us, but it comes also from nature in itself."
Today, Norwegian design influences designers as far as Japan.
"Reception of the exhibition has been very good. In Oslo people were shocked to discover their own design heritage, and some were frustrated about throwing away design pieces without knowing what gems they owned. In Tokyo, the discovery of a new branch on the Scandinavian mid-century design tree has been welcomed with open arms, and the exhibition has opened a design bridge between Japan and Norway."