Bright, bold, and sometimes a bit absurd, the postmodernist movement took the design world by storm in the late 20th century, throwing into question all previously accepted tenets of good taste. While modernism favored the clean and minimal, its maximalist successor preferred the wacky and weird. Now “Postmodernism 1980–1995,” an exhibition at Helsinki’s Design Museum, explores the colorful moment from the Finnish perspective, displaying works by designers native to the country alongside masters of the movement.
From Ettore Sottsass’s radical 1980s Memphis Group pieces, covered in colorful Formica, to Finnish designer Rita Taskinen’s 1983 Kiss chair, featuring giant, cartoonish lips, the exhibited furnishings have a distinct sense of humor about them. And while they may resemble the stuff of comic strips, or set pieces for a children’s television show, their quirky spirit remains refreshing.
Take a look at the spunky pieces here.
Through May 17 at the Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Helsinki; designmuseum.fi
