Getting the celebrations underway is the Danish Design Center of Copenhagen which opens a major retrospective that traces the brilliant career of Denmark's greatest 20th century designer. The show opens on February 11, Jacobsen's birthday. From the beginning of the 1930s up to his death in 1971, Jacobsen designed more than 100 buildings and villas in Denmark – including the Royal Hotel of Copenhagen and the Danish National Bank. But it is his design work that really made his reputation, in particular his chairs, “The Egg”, “The Ant” and “The Swan”, that are all still in production today. In the show, it’s possible to follow the entire creative process – from preliminary sketches to finished products – of the designer.
“Interest in Arne Jacobsen design has never been higher, and probably hasn’t peaked yet”, says Ulla Hovgaard Ramlau, director of the Danish Design Centre. “Jacobsen’s work exhibits the very essence of Danish design. His pieces are evergreen classics for collectors and users who demand long-lasting quality”.
To follow, a second important exhibition will open its doors on August 30, at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk which has organised the show in collaboration with the Danish Institute of Architecture. Divided into three parts – historical context, architecture, and tributes from various contemporary professionals to whom Jacobsen has been an important influence, including Kazuo Sejima, Gigon/Guyer and Dominique Perrault. The exhibition concentrates on Jacobsen’s architectural work but does not ignore design, landscape design, fabric design, photography and watercolours which contribute to the all-round portrait of the designer.
http://www.arne-jacobsen.com
From February 11 to June 9, 2002
Evergreens & Nevergreens. Arne Jacobsen
Copenhagen, The Danish Design Centre
Tel. +45-33-693369
http://www.ddc.dk
From August 30, 2002, to January 12, 2003
Arne Jacobsen
Humlebæk (Copenhagen), Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Tel. +45-49-190719
http://www.louisiana.dk
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Profiles: Arne Jacobsen
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