Congratulations to Galerie Maria Wettergren, for moving to its new and spacious home at the heart of the Marias, Paris’ art district, in celebrating its 10th anniversary. For the occasion, the gallery has opened an inaugural show. Entitled ‘Nouvelle Vague I Scandinavian Art & Design 1999 – 2020,’ literary ‘New Wave,’ the title refers to its niche and mission statement of representing, advancing, and promoting the most cutting-edge and avant-garde contemporary design, created in Scandinavia or by designers of Scandinavian origins.
The exhibition catalogue is particularly compelling, presenting a selection of Scandinavian milestone works that have contributed to redefining the ‘contemporary,’ with works that range from fabrication in the most advanced technology to those created by traditional craftsmanship. Among the artists included in the show are Mathias Bengtsson, Ilkka Suppanen, Astrid Krogh, Grethe Sørensen, Cecilie Bendixen, Rasmus Fenhann, and Tora Urup, who demonstrates a strong connection to their roots, and with a radical departure they keep referring to the DNA of Scandinavian design.
All photos courtesy Galerie Maria Wettergren; installation photography, by Camila Gadu.
TORA URUP, Multiple White & Clear Layers, 2015 Mouth-blown, hand-cut and polished glass 30 x 11 cm Unique pieces © Stuart McIntyre
MATHIAS BENGTSSON, Growth Chaise Longue, 2016 Solid Bronze 92 x 120 x 200 cm Limited edition of 6 unique pieces © Marc Domage
ILKKA SUPPANEN, Porcupine, 2006/2015 3D printed resin, LED 45 x 60 cm Limited edition of 8 © Courtesy of Galerie Maria Wettergren
MATHIAS BENGTSSON, Growth Chaise Longue, 2016 Solid Bronze 92 x 120 x 200 cm Limited edition of 6 unique pieces © Marc Domage
GJERTRUD HALS, Midnight Blue, 2018 Cotton, glue, pigment 200 x 240 cm Unique piece © Sjur Fedje