If you have orange-patterned scissors, the name Fiskars will probably ring the bell. The iconic and ergonomic Fiskars scissors are a classic symbol of the famous brand and their birthplace is the town of the same name in southern Finland. A must-see event on the Scandinavian design calendar, the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale will be held.
The second edition of the Summer Biennial (until September 4, 2022) consists of three exhibitions and other events. They interweave design, architecture and contemporary art to provide the perfect excuse to visit the historic foundry town that has become a creative hub.
Upon arriving at the village, visitors see a minimalist cabin meadow. Portable eco home House by architect An exhibition curated by Kari Korkman, the biennial founder and director.
Participants had to address the challenge of designing a sustainable wooden house of 30 square meters (320 square feet) or less. Architectural innovators such as Studio Puisto, Ateljee Sotamaa, and Aalto University Wood Studio have tackled the extreme testing of design skills in this small space.
Korkman believes that the demand for space-efficient minihomes will increase in the future. “Easy to move, it can be used for anything from a natural hideout to a remote office in the backyard,” he says.
Invisible beauty
These hand-woven wall coverings by Matilda Palm are part of the exhibition of knots and knits in Fiskars.Photo: Silja Kudel
Located in a rustic loft of a historic granary Knots & knitsThe latest chapter in the U-Joints research initiative, led by curator and teacher Anniina Koivu and architect Andrea Caputo. Their project celebrates the invisible connector that connects the world.
“Joints, clamps, glues, springs, ropes – these hidden components are rarely noticed, but these are the essence of good design,” says Koivu. “Excellence is in craft, often invisible. At this exhibition, we want to give them visibility.”
From traditional baskets to contemporary works by top designers such as Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and Hera John Gerius, each exhibit tells a story.
For example, did you know that the Adidas logo started with running shoes from the Finnish brand Karhu? Gold medalist runner Paavo Nurmi first wore it at the 1920 Olympics. Adidas founder Adidasler discovered the Calf running shoes and their three stripes logo at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.
“The world was intrigued by this magical shoe, which was believed to make athletes run faster,” says Coive. “Magic results in stitches hidden in three stripes. When Karhu salespeople visited Frankfurt, they sold their patents to adidas – a small amount and a few schnapps. and.”
Whisper of excellence
The village of Fiscaas, once a foundry, and its idyllic environment now has a community of 600 people, including numerous artisans and creatives.Photo: Silja Kudel
Next to the old copper Smithy is an exhibition hidden – – Shape of the sensesOrganized by the Onoma Cooperative, which has members of local artists, designers and craftsmen.
Curator Laura Sarvilinna describes the show as a “manifest of multi-sensory experiences.”
Inviting a moment of slow aesthetic tolerance, this exhibition provides a quiet antidote to the sensory overload of the modern world. Featured exhibits are from Finland’s leading contemporary artists Elina Brothers and Gronlund Nisnen (Tomi Gronlund and Petteri Nisnen), glass artist and sculptor Camilla Moberg and ceramist Rita Talonpoika. It covers a wide range, from perfectly crafted works.
The three biennial exhibitions complement each other beautifully, encouraging visitors to take moments of meditation and appreciate whispering details rather than alerting them.
Fiskars It is about an hour drive west of Helsinki. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train to Karjaa and take a taxi or local bus for the remaining 15 km (9 miles). We highly recommend the scenic Ratavalli cycle route from Karjaa to Fiskars.
Silja Kudel, June 2022
