The exhibit 17 Swedish Designers features the work of seventeen contemporary Swedish designers—all young, progressive women. The exhibit, which is on tour in the U.S. and on display at the American Swedish Institute from Jan. 29 through May 30, 2010, showcases exciting examples of the most recent work from these seventeen designers, spanning a wide variety of design fields including glass, ceramics, textiles, architecture, furniture, industrial design, interior design, and graphic design.

Running a black and white theme with bright accents, the exhibit suggests a flavor of contemporary thoughts and solutions for developing good design for every day use. Since all seventeen are talented women of the same generation, they share a common worldview, displaying an impressive versatility, a fearless desire to experiment, as well as determination and dedication in turning visions into reality.

The seventeen designers featured in the exhibit have shown their work at Gallery Pascale in Stockholm. The French owner, Pascale Cottard-Olsson, has an instinctive ability to spot talented designers. The exhibit displays the various individual designers’ recent work, ranging from small items such as porcelain and glass to textiles and furniture.

Swedes are reputed pioneers in innovative design and demonstrate great diversity within the field. Minimalism and practicality are important, and designers are often consumer conscious. Swedish design used to be largely male dominated, but with increasing number of women choosing the design profession, the concept of design has changed; women have incorporated a more sensual vision characterized by female experiences.

Internationally, Swedish designers have contributed, independently and in collaboration with global talent to develop designs using new materials and cutting edge production methods. In the U.S., interest in Swedish design is strong, and an exhibit featuring women has long been due. 

In collaboration with the Swedish Embassy, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design), we are happy to present this exhibit at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Sponsors of the traveling exhibition are Garnas AB, Langenskiolds Forlag and Falth&Hessler.