Norwegian Presence: Milan 2018

Being a bunch of word lovers, nothing brings us more delight than to discover a new, untranslatable expression in another language. A prime example is ‘fellesskap’ – the Norwegian term for community or a collaborative approach, and one of the selection criteria for Norwegian Presence, this year’s showcase of the country’s top creative talent set for Milan Design Week on 17–22 April.

Popping up in a brand new location in the growing creative hub of Zona Tortona, each of the 16 studios, designers and craftspeople selected for the show exhibit ‘fellesskap’ in their work, as well a dedication to sustainable, high-quality production processes. This year for the first time five Norwegian manufacturers will also exhibit as part of Norwegian Presence, a further nod to the community-driven, mutually supportive and cross-disciplinary approach indicative of the country’s design culture.

Things to look out for include the launch of new Norwegian design brand Objekt; the handmade sculptural shelving of up-and-coming Oslo maker Sigve Knutson (whose Drawing Objects show turned heads at Milan last year); Stian Korntved Ruud’s acoustic sculptures; and new products from Norwegian favourites Domaas Høgh and Vera & Kyte.

Other designers involved in Norwegian Presence include Lars Tornøe, Marianne Andersen + Victoria Günzler, Martin Solem, Noidoi, Petter Skogstad, Sara Polmar, So Takahashi, Stine Aas; Pearla Pigao and Lillian Tørlen. They’ll be joined by manufacturers Flokk, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik,Elementa, Objekt and Vestre.

Building on the success of predecessors Everything is Connected (2017) and Structure (2016), the show has been put together by Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA), Norwegian designers Union Klubben and internationally focused artisan network Norwegian Crafts, with exhibition design by Sverre Uhnger and Silje Nesdal from Klubben.

To find out more about what Norwegian Presence has in store, check out their Instagram page: @norwegianpresence