Get ready to dive into the captivating world of design! The Zeitgeist 2.0 exhibition is a game-changer, transforming an artist's home into a showcase for a fresh Norwegian design movement.
During the Designers' Saturday festival in Oslo, curators Kirsten Visdal and Per Olav Sølvberg took us on a journey through vintage and contemporary Nordic design. But here's where it gets interesting: they chose the unique setting of artist Paul Hellsegg's home to display these treasures.
"Zeitgeist 2.0" or "Tidsånden 2.0" in Norwegian, is an interactive exhibition that brings classic designs and emerging talents together in a real-life domestic setting. The title hints at a shift away from strict modernist principles, embracing tactility and emotional connections with everyday objects. Visdal explains, "After years of modernism, we see a new movement prioritizing memory, heritage, and personal touch. People crave beauty, color, and ornamentation, reflecting their personalities in their spaces."
The exhibition's location is key. Hellsegg's apartment and studio in Oslo's Cort Adelers gate neighborhood were intentionally chosen to make visitors feel involved, not just observing from the sidelines. Sølvberg shares, "We wanted to bring design back to a genuine environment, a lived-in space, not a sterile gallery."
The curators' vision extended to Hellsegg's atelier, which inspired the concept. "It offered artistic freedom and authenticity; creativity literally seeps from the walls."
Pieces from Norwegian and Nordic brands were seamlessly integrated with Hellsegg's vibrant abstract paintings and functional sculptures, creating an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. Sølvberg notes, "The idea was to let design dialogue with the home's soul, not erase it."
The exhibition featured narrative-rich objects from established brands like Kasthall, Northern, Varier, and Fogia, alongside works from younger studios like Nedre Foss, Andersen & Voll, and Pettersen Hein. Sølvberg explains, "We wanted to showcase the new within a personal, lived context, allowing the pieces to converse and create an authentic dialogue."
Specific objects on display included a dining set by Jenkins & Uhnger, a cabinet by Färg & Blanche, lighting from Northern, and a coffee table from Fora Form. The focus was on design quality, craftsmanship, and a connection to Norwegian heritage, exemplified by the Anemon rug designed by Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg for Kasthall.
This modern rug, based on an archival pattern, was presented alongside playful, handcrafted textile vases by Kristine Five Melvær and a steel storage unit by emerging designer Jonas Stokke for Eskoleia. Other chosen pieces included the sculptural Ekstrem chair designed by Terje Ekstrøm in 1984, the simple Less sofa from LK Hjelle, and crafted objects from Nedre Foss, showcasing Norway's innovative and skilled craftsmanship.
The domestic setting created a relaxed vibe, encouraging visitors to sit, chat, and engage with the displayed objects. Some visitors shared, "It felt like being inside a conversation between art, design, and life." Others reminisced about childhood memories triggered by familiar objects like wool rugs and wooden chairs.
This exhibition format is an extension of Sølvberg and Visdal's unique curatorial practice, rooted in everyday experiences. They suggest the "Hos Paul" concept could evolve into a recurring series, showcasing contemporary art and design in different domestic spaces.
Visdal's previous projects include an exhibition of Norwegian furniture, objects, and sculptures installed in a former smoking room at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
The photography by Anne Meranda captures the essence of this captivating exhibition.
What do you think? Is this a fresh take on design exhibitions, or does it blur the lines between art and everyday life? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
