%C2%A9 Karin Widn%C3%A4s
Pond, 2012
Karin Widnäsexpand_more
Slip-cast stonewareexpand_more
Gift of funds from Gayle Fuguitt and Tom Veitchexpand_more 2013.6.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
For Savoy was commissioned in 2012 from Karen Widnäs by the Savoy Restaurant in
Helsinki, which was designed in 1937 by famous architect Alvar Aalto (Finnish, 1898-
1976) in collaboration with his wife, Aino (Finnish, 1894-1949). It remains one of the
premiere restaurants in Helsinki. In celebration of the restaurant’s 75th anniversary, chef
Kari Ahinen wanted to create a Jubilee menu with a complementary dining service,
bringing food and design together for the 21st century. For Savoy’s components are
elemental, in keeping with Finnish modern ideals and to showcase the food. However,
aspects of nature are a strong part of the design. The starter plate, for example, contains
ripple-like rings referencing water, and the plates’ oval forms recall giant water lily pads.
The shell-shaped dessert bowl is performative, shaped in a manner that causes the sauce
to flow in a spiral. The S-shaped handle of the sauce boat playfully references the first
letter of “Savoy.” The exacting process of slip-casting the service by hand has been
likened by the artist to “slow food.” Like Aalto’s work and much of Finnish design that
emphasized handcraft, it is simple yet curvaceous.
Details
- Title
- Pond
- Artist Life
- born 1946
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.6.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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© Karin Widnäs