The Next Big Thing

Artist list

Heljä Alanko, Tiina Laitinen, Fanni Ala-Uotila, Kirsi Manninen, Elisa Kääriäinen, Taina Pelkonen, Reetta Tikkanen, Anna-Reeta Pitkänen, Rosa Nyyssönen, Susanna Yläranta

What value do we deliver to the rapidly changing world? I sincerely believe one can only reach extraordinary results when his/she is able to revitalize and update the design thinking, crafts and materials with contemporary concepts and aesthetics, seek to influence that can give rise to unexpected meanings to the society under the force of globalization.

The Next Big Thing
an exhibition presents 10 jewellery graduates&designers from the Kuopio Design Academy, whom have participated in the workshop Translation Between Local Culture and Concept on Contemporary Jewellery Design. The archive of the designers not only expresses an appreciation of the abundance of materials and the beauty, that jewellery can produce, but also building an statement with a critique of contemporary culture concern.

The Workshop with a Contemporary Attitude:
This project workshop consists of three interlocking parts: the first part focuses on discovering the local Finnish culture. The second part scrutinizes the potentially the design form, material and craft of jewellery related to the concept. The third part is the translation and expression, resulting into practice with the specialized process of making. Methodologically, this project departs from a singular focus on craft or style, instead it integrates different levels of communication in its research design for the students. Its take is coupled with a discourse of design practice and involves a wide range of cultural expressions.

This project has made possible by: The Makers's House, The Ladies' Association of Kuopio, European Social Fund, Kuopio Academy of Design, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Taito Ita-suomi, Center for Economic Development and the Environment.

Curator: Jie Sun