10 Reasons Norwegian Design Is Awesome

Learn more about the upcoming "Norwegian Icons: Important Norwegian Design" exhibition.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The internationally renowned exhibition "Norwegian Icons: Important Norwegian Design" is coming to New York City from May 23 to June 1 at Openhouse Gallery. The exhibition features over 500 pieces from 1940-1975, a significant era in Norwegian history and its design legacy. The show, which has gained successful reception in both Oslo and Tokyo, includes rare decorative arts, jewelry, and furniture, as well as fine art pieces by Norwegian artists, including Edvard Munch.

We got in touch with the "Norwegian Icons" team, who gave us some extra insight into the exhibition and Norwegian design's contribution to the international field as a whole. Here are 10 Reasons Norwegian Design is Awesome

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Norway's history as an underdog meant its design style could develop independently.

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The country stood up to the Nazis during WWII, and experienced a post-war design boom as a result.

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There is an open dialogue between Norwegian fine art, design, and architecture.

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Edvard Munch, who painted The Scream, hailed from Norway.

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Norwegian designers believe that beautiful and functional objects should be accessible to all.

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Norwegian design emphasizes durability and quality.

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It doesn't sacrifice function for aesthetic appeal.

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The striking natural environment of Norway is reflected in its design tradition.

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Norway helped popularize simplicity and natural forms in international design.

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Today, Norwegian design influences designers as far as Japan.

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