Nordic Design Today

The designers in this exhibition are in the process of formulating themselves around a new identity that partly contradicts the newly prevailing functionalist and simple form. Many of the objects in the exhibition refer to the Scandinavian Design era, but the conventions have now been thrown about. It accommodates more historical references and the casual, impulsive and associative is affirmed.

The designers test new manufacturing methods without prejudice and examine, among other things, the possibilities offered by digital technology. The playful approach produces surprising results and breaks old ways of thinking. Inspiration is often drawn from the nature and design traditions of the native countries, from folklore and the regional crafts. Functionalism and simple aesthetics are combined with new materials, working methods and environments, a development that successfully expands the Nordic concept of design.

The Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize is awarded annually by the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg to an active Nordic designer or craftsman.

The award was established in 1992 by the Torsten and Ragnar Söderberg Foundations, two of the most important contributors to Swedish research and development. Brothers Torsten (1894-1960) and Ragnar (1900-1974) Söderberg were mainly active in the family company Söderberg & Haak, Sweden's largest wholesale iron and steel company founded in 1866.

Torsten's wife Wanja, née Aminoff (1899-1982), was a co-donor to the Torsten Söderberg Foundation. The spouses Torsten and Wanja Söderberg were members of the Friends of the Röhsska Museum of Art since 1938. Torsten Söderberg became a member of the association's board in 1948 and from 1950 to 1960 was its chairman as his son Tomas is today. In addition, Torsten Söderberg was a member of the board of the Röhsska Museum of Art.

The Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize was awarded for the first time on 4 November 1994 on the 100th anniversary of Torsten Söderberg's birth. The award is still awarded on his birthday. The prize fund is currently 1,000,000 SEK.

The exhibition showcases the following laureates:
Mats Theselius 1997, Sweden
Peter Opsvik, 2000, Norway
Sigurdur Gústafsson, 2003, Iceland
Ole Jensen, 2006, Denmark
Steinunn Sigurdardóttir, 2008, Iceland
Harri Koskinen, 2009, Finland
Front, 2010, Sweden
Henrik Vibskov, 2011, Denmark
Sigurd Bronger, 2012, Norway

The exhibition is curated by Ted Hesselbom, Christoffer Tarras Blom, Bodil Busk Laursen and Sven Lundh in collaboration between Vandalorum and the Röhsska Museum.

^{Photos: John Nelander}