Celebrated for its colourful, expressive prints, Finnish design house Marimekko has remained true to its original vision; to create distinctive, timeless designs that bring joy to everyday life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The current exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery explores the individual contributions of the many artists who have worked with Marimekko over the years.
Highlighted in the exhibition is the work of Maija Isola, a painter who was one of the first to work with Marimekko.
Isola’s career first began at Printex, Marimekko's predecessor, in 1949 and lasted 38 years.
When the founder of Marimekko, Armi Ratia, set guidelines for her designers, she stated that Marimekko would ‘never do floral prints.’
Isola returned to her studio and went on to create an entire collection using floral motifs in direct defiance of Ratia’s wishes.
To her credit, when presented with these designs Ratia acceded and Unikko, the rebel flower design, was born.
The variations on this most iconic of designs continue to inspire interior fabrics and furnishings, garments and more, examples of which are part of the exhibition, including unique dresses for runway and other items produced as part of the 50th anniversary of Unikko’s creation.
Also highlighted in the exhibition is the work of Fujiwo Ishimoto, a Helsinki-based Japanese textile and ceramic artist who joined Marimekko in 1974.
Initially Ishimoto struggled to find his place in the company as his designs didn't have the ‘Marimekko’ feel.
Learning to using simple yet forceful brushstrokes and producing prints on a large, repeating scale allowed him to create patterns that radiated Marimekko yet were still distinctly Japanese.
Contemporary and minimalistic, his simple, clean and pure prints highlight the harmony between Japanese and Finnish design.
Many other influential designers are included in the exhibition, which charts Marimekko’s meteoric rise from the 1950s to the present.
With more than 60 outfits, swathes of original fabrics, homewares, sketches and other archival materials, the exhibition celebrates the talented individuals who have defined this local textile practice and created internationally recognisable designs.
SWINGING 60S PARTY
Celebrate the current exhibition at the gallery’s forthcoming social event, a 1960s party on Saturday, April 14.
Take inspiration from Marimekko’s designs, don your most amazing 60s guise and have exclusive after-hours access to the exhibition, DJ and bar.
Numbers are limited for this groovy event and tickets are avilable via www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
This exhibition Marimekko: Design Icon 1951 – 2018 is exclusive to Bendigo Art Gallery and on display until June 11.
