To rejoice 90 years since its founding, Finnish furnishings producer Artek has tapped beloved comedian Moomin for a particular pair of Alvar Aalto’s most ubiquitous furnishings designs. Showcasing authentic illustrations from the cartoon, the 2 international icons rejoice their shared Finnish heritage and far-reaching cultural footprint.
Delicately utilized to the Stool 60 and the Cupboard 250, illustrations from Tove Jansson’s very first Moomin cartoon, Mumintrollet och jordens undergång (“Moomintroll and the Finish of the World”) have been first-published in a Finnish newspaper in 1947. Alvar Aalto’s stackable seating design, initially designed in 1933, stays a timeless basic within the up to date period — particularly as Scandinavian Mid-Century design has piqued the curiosity of youthful generations.
Elsewhere, Moomin imagery can be featured on the Cupboard 250, a monolithic birch “cocktail cupboard” that options related bent plywood legs because the Artek’s fashionable stool, and continues the nostalgic illustrations hidden inside the honey-stained doorways.
The straightforward execution of the collaboration displays the fashionable minimalism of Artek’s visible language. Lots of Aalto’s items such because the Paimio Lounge Chair (1931), targeted on gently undulating shapes knowledgeable the strategy of bent plywood — a significant manufacturing innovation of the time. Usually using wooden as the only materials, Artek’s designs omit busy ornamentation and {hardware} to spotlight performance.
With Moomin’s child-like illustrations scattered all through the items, the gathering evokes a playful and genuine fashion akin to haphazard doodles made by youngsters. The unconventional collaboration displays the altering face of design, as millennials and Gen Z more and more combine collectibles and up to date media ephemera with extra refined items of their dwelling interiors.
Along with the particular tie-up, Artek additionally launched an summary artwork poster celebrating its 90 years in enterprise. The straightforward design that includes work by Finnish artist Inka Bell, together with the Moomin furnishings assortment will likely be accessible starting on March 20, from choose Artek retailers, Artek-owned shops, and the model’s net retailer.
