From 24 April to 25 May, the Estonian design review exhibition “Size doesn’t matter” will take place in Brussels at the Design Flanders Gallery; it’s the first time Estonian design is exhibited in the Belgian capital.
According to Ilona Gurjanova, the curator of the exhibition, the Estonian Association of Designers developed the concept of “Size doesn’t matter”, saying that the exhibition “contrasts the smallness of the land and the density of designers and the abundance of the achievements, in order to introduce Estonian design in foreign countries”.
Nearly 60 designers are represented – the established, as well as the newly graduated young promising artists. The collection is characteristic to the Nordic country – a minimalist style and natural materials.
“The collection consists of high quality small print run products, basically of the best pieces of the authors’ design and on new innovative industrial products. The exhibition includes products related to furnishing of the home: textiles, furniture, lighting, ceramics, glass, wheels and fashion accessories including bags, shoes, jewellery and a selection of packaging and book designs,” Gurjanova said.
The Estonian Association of Designers, of which Gurjanova is the president, hopes through foreign exhibitions to boost cultural exchanges showcasing the achievements of Estonia as a rapidly developing design country and create opportunities for networking for Estonian product designers reaching the international arena.
Selection of design items to be introduced in Brussels:
Viks bicycle by Indrek Narusk.
Rack by Elmet Reier.
Spoons by Ene Raud.
“Comb” shelf by Jaanus Orgusaar.
Coat hanger by Kairi Kuuskor, Janno Nõu.
Earrings by Kärt Maran.
Bags by Katrin Koit, Elina Korkala.
Furniture by Emmanuel Meslet.
“Jack 2” shelf by Maile Grünberg.
Textiles by Mare Kelpman.
“Tulip Fun Fun” elastic bike rack by Margus Triibmann.
“Cosmo 3” sofa by Marko Ala, Joonas Torim.
World’s smallest smart card reader by Martin Lazarev.
Vodka bottle for Moe Vodka, by Jan Tomson.
Stigo electric bike by Matti Õunapuu.
Concrete & porcelain tableware by Raili Keiv.
“Aero” lamp by Tõnis Vellama.
Cover photo: Wooden spectacles by Karl Annus, also part of the exhibition.
