Monitoring by Harri Koskinen

‘Monitoring’ is an exploration into glass by observing materiality, colour and light in sculptures. The exhibition consists of four independent series of work designed by one of the most renowned contemporary Finnish designers Harri Koskinen and crafted in the Finnish glass villages Iittala and Nuutajärvi as well as at the Pino Signoretto studio in Murano, Italy.

Each hand-blown or cast object adopts a different perspective on the theme monitoring. The exhibition gives a visual form to realities of layers and materials, and draws inspiration from microscopic bacterial colonies, the macrocosmic dimensions of outer space, and the virtual reality of the digital age.

“On the background of the objects lies the problematics of working with glass,” Koskinen explains. “Beauty and aesthetics are challenging, because each of us experiences them in different ways. ‘Monitoring’ as a theme opens up several perspectives for observing materials, colour and light.” •

‘Harri Koskinen – Monitoring’ at Galerie Forsblom in Helsinki, Finland, on 4–29 September 2015.

“Working with glass for the exhibition stems from personal experience and collaborations. Glass allows for many interpretations. As a material, it is mystical and transparent. An object made of glass consists of many layers, such as the surface, shine and colour,” adds Koskinen, who has worked with glass since 1996. “Moreover, traces of the process and making the piece can be seen in each of the objects. Uniqueness, randomness and a sense of miracle is integrated in each piece.”

The designer is known for his serially produced, often-minimalist designs, for which he was also awarded the 2014 Kaj Franck Design Prize, one of the most prestigious design accolades in Finland.

“Unique design pieces are minor, but an important part of my design work,” he says. “They enable experimentation and working on a specific theme. Working on unique pieces comes periodically – I have had an exhibition of unique pieces approximately every three years.”

The exhibition ‘Monitoring’ at Galerie Forsblom on 3–27 September 2015 is part of Helsinki Design Week, which runs during 3–13 September 2015.

The Kaj Franck Design Prize exhibition presenting Koskinen’s new industrial design collection will be on show at the furniture, interior decoration and design fair Habitare in Helsinki from 9–13 September 2015.