BLOG POST #13

Scandinavian Modern  Design 

"As with most of Europe, modernity in Scandinavian design represented a radical shift from provincial isolation to self-assertiveness in an international design setting. A century of intense design activity had commenced about 1880 throughout Europe and no less in the vast and diverse geographic region encompassing Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. From Scandinavia's variegated matrix of politics, cultures, languages and traditions, there emerged a multifaceted design philosophy that became a major international influence."

~http://www.artsmia.org/modernism/e_SM.html 

 The Superstructure chair by Bjorn Dahlstrom is a perfect example of modern Scandinavian design.

http://www.cribcandy.com/

"Each country within Scandinavia played a significant role in the formation of a modern tradition, and each responded to the challenges of the modern world in a distinctive manner. All the countries recognized social equality, industrialization and urbanization as major factors of modern life. Yet, these factors and their impact on the arts and crafts were encountered differently in each country, giving a special identity to the design traditions of each. By the mid-century, however, these designs became known as a style and the history of modern Scandinavian design suggests there are unifying features – humanism, tradition, moderation, hand-crafted perfectionism, modesty, quietude and purposefulness – within the traditions of each country that encourage such a generalization. This exhibition of decorative arts and design attempts to address both these unifying qualities and the distinct differences."

~http://www.artsmia.org/modernism/e_SM.html

Scandinavian countries have many objects that date back as far as the Ice Age. Scandinavian modern art is complex and deals with nature and is very sophisticated. It consists of very organic shapes and styles.  It is very important to design because it is based off of what is naturally around us. Many architecture and objects are based off the same ideals and design just like this chair.