“Svenska impressioner” (Swedish Impressions), will show the latest in
glass artistry made in the venerable Swedish glassworks and will be on
view in the German capital until 10 August.
The work of the new designers at Kosta Boda, the
artist couple Åsa Jungnelius and Ludvig Löfgren, is expected to draw
special attention during this exhibit. But the "old master" Kjell Engman
is also represented with his imaginative glass creations. In
particular, the feminine and avant-garde glass objects of the young
artist Åsa Jungnelius have received an enthusiastic reception in Sweden.
While Kosta Boda glass tends to be colourful and
fanciful, the emphasis in Orrefors’ elegant glass creations is on clear
crystal with masterfully balanced form and finishing. Ingegerd Råman,
the grand dame of Swedish crystal design, is of course on view in this
exhibit as well as Erika Lagerbielke, the creative artist of many sales
successes (the “Difference” series). The exhibit also includes works of
the Finland-born Martti Rytkönen, who is well-known for his
sophisticated, innovative glass objects. For the last two years the very
successful Swedish artist and jewellery designer Efva Attling has also
been working for Orrefors. The result is a wonderful symbiosis of glass
and silver.
With its Kosta Boda glassworks (founded in 1742),
the southern Swedish town Kosta is often called the "cradle of Swedish
glassmaking”. It is home to a unique industry which combines high-level
craftsmanship with art and avant-garde design. Orrefors (founded in
1898), is known for its art glass and has been at the forefront of
Swedish design since the 1920s. Through its combination of clear crystal
and evolutionary design, Orrefors has contributed to the worldwide
reputation of Swedish glass.
Since 2005 Orrefors Kosta Boda has been part of the Swedish company New Wave Group.
The products of the Group are sold in more than a thousand retail
outlets in over thirty countries. Glassworks tourism has developed into a
large industry with more than a million visitors a year. Exclusive art
glass from Sweden has achieved great renown and both brand names – Kosta
Boda and Orrefors – have gained special importance in the definition of
the Swedish cultural legacy. At present a multitude of prestigious
designers (form givers) are creating a wide assortment of glass: series
of drinking glasses and plates, vases and bowls, and objects d’art in
limited editions. Art glass is displayed and sold at tradeshows and in
galleries and museums throughout the world, often in the presence of the
artist. With its remarkable history, Orrefors Kosta Boda is
indisputably one of the leading glassmakers in the world.