Tapio Wirkkala: Still | Chrysler Museum of Art

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A group of glass objects, including an ashtray and two vases, designed by artist Tapio Wirkkala. — Tapio Wirkkala (Finnish, 1915–1985) Ashtray (model 3268), ca. 1948–1960 Vase (model 3511), ca. 1950–1951 Jäkälä (Lichen) or Sormivaasi (Finger) Vase (model 3515), ca. 1950–1964 Glass, Chrysler Museum of Art, Gift of the Richard A. Raisler Collection, 2024.20.14, 2024.20.15, and 2024.20.4

After more than seventy years, the everyday objects designed by Tapio Wirkkala (Finnish, 1915–85) are still highly appealing and distinctly modern. Wirkkala first caught the attention of the design world in the 1950s, winning praise for the minimalism and naturalism of his Scandinavian aesthetic. He designed functional items—tableware, jewelry, furniture, and lighting—as well as architecture and art, crafted from a diverse range of materials including glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic.

Asymmetrical, oblong porcelain vase with raised dots along the rim. — Tapio Wirkkala (Finnish, 1915–1985) Pollo Vase (model 3090/20), ca. 1970 Porcelain, Chrysler Museum of Art, Gift of the Richard A. Raisler Collection, 2024.20.26

A gifted and versatile maker, Wirkkala believed “all materials have their own unwritten laws… You should never be violent with a material you’re working on, and the designer should aim at being in harmony with his material.” The fundamental harmony of Wirkkala’s ethos and working process is directly imbued into his creations, lending them a certain quality of stillness.

Wirkkala became an iconic figure of Mid-Century Modern design, a style still revered today for its clean lines, simplicity, functionality, and sincere appreciation for materials. Still highlights Wirkkala’s craftsmanship in glass alongside his works in ceramic, wood, and silver. The exhibition marks the debut of a significant gift to the Chrysler Museum from collector Richard Raisler of California, as well as other recent acquisitions.

This exhibition is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art and curated by Carolyn Swan Needell, PhD, Barry Curator of Glass.

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