Get ready to dive into a captivating story that will transport you to the heart of Oslo's design scene! The Zeitgeist 2.0 exhibition is a game-changer, transforming artist Paul Hellsegg's home into a vibrant showcase for Norway's newest design movement.
Curators Kirsten Visdal and Per Olav Sølvberg have crafted an extraordinary experience as part of the Designers' Saturday festival. They've brought together a stunning collection of vintage and contemporary Nordic design objects, creating an immersive environment that's both inspiring and thought-provoking.
But here's where it gets controversial... Visdal and Sølvberg believe we're witnessing a shift away from the rational, modernist principles that have dominated design for years. They argue that we're embracing a new era focused on the tactile and emotional connection with everyday objects. It's a bold statement, and one that's sure to spark debate among design enthusiasts.
"After years of modernism, we're seeing a movement that celebrates memory, heritage, and personality," Visdal explains. "People are drawn to beauty, color, and ornamentation, reflecting a desire for more personal and expressive spaces."
And this is the part most people miss... Sølvberg emphasizes the importance of patience when creating a home. "We're so impatient today, expecting everything to be ready-made. But a home is a patient process, built layer by layer."
The curators chose Hellsegg's apartment and studio in Oslo's Cort Adelers gate neighborhood as the perfect setting for their exhibition. Their goal? To make visitors feel like active participants rather than passive spectators. "We wanted to bring design back into a real environment, a lived-in space," Sølvberg shares. "Hellsegg's atelier inspired us, offering a sense of artistic freedom and authenticity."
The exhibition seamlessly integrates Norwegian and Nordic brands with Hellsegg's expressive abstract paintings and functional sculptures. It's a beautiful dialogue between design and art, creating an inclusive and inviting atmosphere.
"The idea was to let design dialogue with the soul of the home, not erase it," Sølvberg adds. "We made subtle adjustments, but kept the spirit of the space intact."
Among the objects on display, you'll find a dining table and chairs by Jenkins & Uhnger, a cabinet by Färg & Blanche, and lighting from Northern. There's also a coffee table from Fora Form, each piece carefully selected to showcase the quality of design, craftsmanship, and connection to Norwegian heritage.
One standout piece is the Anemon rug designed by Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg for Kasthall. Based on an archival pattern, it's a modern interpretation that perfectly embodies the exhibition's theme. It's displayed alongside playful, handcrafted textile vases by Kristine Five Melvær and a steel storage unit designed by Jonas Stokke for Eskoleia.
Other notable pieces include the sculptural Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrøm, the simple yet elegant Less sofa from LK Hjelle, and crafted objects from Nedre Foss, all showcasing Norway's rich heritage of innovation and craftsmanship.
The domestic setting of the exhibition creates a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to sit, linger, and connect with each other and the objects on display. It's a unique experience that blurs the lines between art, design, and everyday life.
According to the curators, some visitors described the exhibition as "a conversation between art, design, and life." Others shared childhood memories triggered by familiar objects like wool rugs and wooden chairs, highlighting the emotional impact of the exhibition.
The Hos Paul concept is an extension of Sølvberg and Visdal's curatorial practice, rooted in everyday experiences. They suggest that it could evolve into a recurring series, showcasing contemporary art and design in different domestic spaces.
Visdal's previous project, an exhibition of Norwegian furniture, objects, and sculptures installed in a former smoking room at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, showcases her expertise in creating immersive and thought-provoking experiences.
So, what do you think? Is this new design movement a refreshing change or a step away from modernist principles? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let's spark a conversation and explore the future of design together.
