Gazing at the World

In the theme UDSYN, Formkraft focuses on Danish craft artists and designers who cross borders both in a physical sense, but also in collaborations, processes and knowledge exchange. We travel the world with the craft artists and designers’ special eye for materials, techniques and visual languages.

In the United States, ceramicists Anders Ruhwald and Marie Hermann have been part of American culture, where they spent 24 years trying out new formats and creating a strong international foundation for their future careers. Now they are back in Denmark with visions and recklessness in their luggage.

In Mexico, textile artist Vibeke Rohland not only found inspiration and work. She also learned how colours and symbols bind people together when language falls short.

In Nepal and India, designer Sia Hurtigkarl rediscovered the understanding that there are hands behind every textile product. At Formkraft, she talks about meeting other people at eye level with craft as a common language.

In Norway, ceramicist Sissel Wathne crosses the boundaries between art and utilitarian function, between industry and craft. She has brought her Danish cultural heritage with her to Norway and collects raw materials from the nature where she lives.

In Greenland, Julie is working on a cross-cultural collaborative exhibition based on her own Greenlandic roots, the materials of nature and the animal kingdom.

The perspective and analogue meetings seem important. The international outlook not only provides career opportunities and professional development. It also creates bonds and understanding across a world that often seems to be on the edge of disruption, hatred and hostility. Through these encounters, craft artists and designers create a positive pause where different cultures listen to each other.