Scandinavian Design and the USA, 1890–1980
What does Scandinavian Design really mean? Typically, the label brings to mind a mid-twentieth century design trend characterised by poise, elegance, natural materials, and an eye on exports. But is this a fair picture?
This exhibition explores almost a century of design that developed through encounters and exchanges between Scandinavia and the USA. The design-historical round trip traces the great emigration from Norway and her neighbouring countries in the late 19th century and the invention of the term Scandinavian Design in the 1950s. We delve into the ways that identity building, stylistic trends, and politics influenced perceptions of the objects we gather around us.
The exhibition brings together industrial design, toys, graphic design, textiles, clothes and furniture, offering moments of recognition and surprise that clarify links and foster new understanding between our cultures.
The exhibition is a co-production between and will be shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Milwaukee Art Museum, Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, and the National Museum, Oslo.
Until 9 January next year, you can visit the exhibition at Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.