Nordic Models + Common Ground.

A new exhibition, which opened at Scandinavia House Oct. 29 explores the seamless movement between art and design that has become a trademark for contemporary Nordic over the last 15 - 20 years. 

  • Norsk Form President Andreas Vaa Bergmann has reason to be pleased and proud with the exhibition for all of Scandinavia. Photos by Bo Zaunders

  • Nordic Models + Common Ground: A new exhibition, opened at Scandinavia House, NYC on Oct. 29.
    The exhibition runs from October 29, 2010 – March 9, 2011. Gallery hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6 pm; FREE admission. More info, see www.scandinaviahouse.org or call 212.779.3587

  • The wide range of designs, objects and photographic or model presentations selected by architectural firm Snøhetta succeed to both enlighten and enjoy.

  • This fall marks the tenth anniversary of New York's Scandinavia House and the centennial for American Scandinavian foundation, owner and operator of the building located just a few blocks south of grand central in Manhattan's midtown district. Nordic Models + Common Ground is the first of a series of three major exhibitions during the year-long celebration. Curated by Norwegian/American architecture firm Snøhetta, the exhibition showcases 35 different Nordic artists representing diverse areas, from architecture and product design to photography and fine art.

  • Craig Dykers, co-founder of the architectural firm Snøhetta, which curated the exhibition. Photo: Bo Zaunders

  • "In curating this exhibition we purposefully disregarded all national and artistic boundaries... Instead emphasizing the powerful values and ideas that are shared by all Nordic countries," says Snøhetta co-founder Craig Dykers and continues "..the exhibition represents the integration of art and design – all in the spirit of engagement in the arts. ..the down to earth quality of Scandinavian design becomes evident here at the exhibit."

  • ASF President Edward P. Gallagher with Norsk Form President Andreas Vaa Bergmann.

  • A total of 35 artists and designers are represented at the exhibition. The wide range of designs, objects and photographic or model presentations succeed in two ways: they truly convey that very Nordic egalitarian design tradition that goes back to the days of Ellen Key and earlier and at the same time offer a lively experience for the visitor. It is a rare occasion indeed, when an exhibition creates an 'interactive' experience for the audience, not by being interactive but by the selection and presentation of objects and visuals.

  • The exhibition showcases 35 different Nordic artists representing diverse areas, from architecture and product design to photography and fine art.

  • ASF President Edward P. Gallagher at the press preview stressed how "[there are] so many common threads in Scandinavian design, so many similarities and yet, how it’s also always full of surprises."

  • Craig Dykers, co-founder of the architectural firm Snøhetta, which curated the exhibition. Photo: Bo Zaunders

  • A visit is a must if you're in New York. Round off the visit with lunch or afternoon fika with a freshly made kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) at the in-house SmörgåsChef restaurant (http://www.smorgas.com).