Design without borders

In 2022 the works of a total of 214 artists from 24 countries are exhibited. In addition to series-produced pieces, small-batch series of furniture and accessories, prototypes, and even experimental pieces are included too. What’s more, visitors can also find one-off works, object / material experiments and artworks on the borderline between design and fine art. Many invited artists deal with current social and ecological issues such as sustainability or social responsibility.

The selection includes the works of different generations, from university students in their twenties to career-starters, through defining, internationally recognized mid-generation artists to mature artists in their nineties.

In addition to the presentation of regional designers, the focus of the exhibition is on Finnish design. The selection provides a comprehensive picture of the internationally defining role of Finnish design, of Finnish design education with its unique approach, including the importance of sustainability, as well as the openness, receptiveness and creativity that characterises Finnish culture. In addition to artists active in various fields of design and belonging to different generations, the selection includes globally successful progressive Finnish brands in the form of works by Alvar Aalto and by the students of Aalto University’s Department of Design and Department of Architecture as the highlights.