February 19th, 2010
Upon my arrival in Copenhagen I knew very little about Danish Design. From what I had heard and read, Denmark’s capital was at the forefront of Scandinavian design and well respected around the work, but I was yet to learn why. Images of Kay Bojesen’s Monkey floated through my mind and I was excited to bring home such treasures for friends and family. Little did I know such a children’s toy would set me back over $150.
Upon my arrival in Copenhagen I knew very little about Danish Design. From what I had heard and read, Denmark’s capital was at the forefront of Scandinavian design and well respected around the work, but I was yet to learn why. Images of Kay Bojesen’s Monkey floated through my mind and I was excited to bring home such treasures for friends and family. Little did I know such a children’s toy would set me back over $150.
[http://www.illumsbolighus.dk/uk/product_detail.asp?mode=master&maID=27145]
Nielsen’s article focuses on the boundary between fine arts and applied arts. In many settings we idolize fine arts more so than applied arts. Perhaps we take for granted the work of the designer because in hindsight we find the function of design objects as obvious. However, after spending time in Denmark and visiting various museums and design shops, it’s clear this country has developed an appreciation for applied arts that puts them on the same pedestal as applied arts.
TOMS Shoes is a company that combines fine arts (print) with applied arts (fashionable shoe) to make a difference in the world by donating a pair of their footwear every time a pair is purchased. This 1:1 model is successful thanks to the help of beautiful and functional pieces.
[www.toms.com]
Using the Bauhaus as an example, Nielsen draws an interesting connection for me back to today’s Danish icons. During the glory years of the Bauhaus, the applied arts were not recognized as being equal to the fine arts. And in many cases today this is true. I believe designers have certainly found a niche in Denmark to promote them as equals. I personally hadn’t really considered the subject until this semester, but it makes sense that the two be viewed as equally skilled trades. As one who appreciates art and design of all sorts I find it silly to chose one over the other and the selection process somewhat demeaning to the community as a whole. In a world where problems are abound and funding for the arts is being cut, dividing artists and designers in two is a careless mistake. By fusing the practices and viewing them in the same light, as the Danes do, I think we can make a giant leap forward towards attacking global issues indirectly calling for the help of the arts/design community.
The power design can ultimately have on the world.
[http://www.jillm.com/beyond/2007/08/]
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