For a number of years, Paris and Reykjavík have enjoyed extremely good connections. Further confirmation now comes in the form of the VIA (Valorisation de l’Innovation dans l’Ameublement) initiative. Having offered design awards in Japan (2001) and Algeria (2003), this year, beginning April 2, VIA presents to the French public recent work by a ‘delegation’ of Icelandic artists.

Primary characteristics? Projects strongly influenced by the relationship between humanity and nature – a dominant element on an island that lies in the extreme north of Europe. Absent, however, are specific traditions, rendering the work extremely open to the international scene. E.S.

Until 29.5.2004
Transforme. Icelandic design: new generation
VIA Gallery, 33 avenue Daumesnil
T +33-01-46281111
https://www.via.asso.fr