Organised by Form/Design Center, Southern Sweden Design Days will showcase a selection of new work from ten designers and studios
Render from the virtual exhibition at ‘Lokstallarna’ in Malmö, Sweden. Photography courtesy of ADORNO
Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova
Sustainability-focused design fair Southern Sweden Design Days returns for its second edition in Malmö in May. One of its standout installations comes courtesy of Copenhagen-based Adorno, a digital gallery for contemporary collectible design and craft, which presents ‘Proximity’ – a new collection of objects created by southern Swedish designers.
Ten designers have been handpicked to participate. Their work, which is sold via Adorno’s e-commerce platform, reflects the event’s overarching theme, which, according to the organisers, ‘[is] the notion of being close – the connection between people, cities, countries, species and professions’.
PlusPlus by Jóna Berglind Stefánsdóttir. Photography by Anna Gudmundsdottir
As a whole, the collection contemplates the notion of proximity, interconnection and belonging. Whether through contemporary references to traditional craft techniques; the use of locally sourced materials such as wool, lichen, steel and wood; or playful visualisations of the notion itself, the selected pieces illustrate – in a very timely fashion – the importance of closeness, interconnection and kinship in uncertain times.
Some of the creatives whose work is on display include the playful design duo Axel and Victor, whose “konceptfabriken” Lab La Bla examines the boundaries between man, industry and nature; textile and product designer Lisa Darland, who challenges traditional textile techniques to find new expressions, minimise waste and develop products for a circular production cycle; and furniture designer Louise Hederström, whose clients include some of the most respected manufacturing companies in Scandinavian design, such as Skandiform, Skagerak and Maze Interior.
Tree Trunk Vase by Lab La Bla. Photography courtesy of Lab La Bla
‘The purpose of the annual theme is to be inspiring, challenging and spark creativity and new ideas for exciting content,’ say Terese Alstin and Ann Isler of Southern Sweden Design Days.
‘It should [also] harmonise with the fair’s overall focus on sustainability, collaboration, development and innovation… From the suggestions on themes that we received, many touched upon the notion of togetherness and community, and it was clear to us that people were requesting a theme with an optimistic vibe and positive message.’
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