Artek 2nd Cycle: Ten
10 years, 10 stories, 10 products
The Artek 2nd Cycle store is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with an exhibition of 10 carefully curated products that embody the 2nd Cycle’s story and mission.
The whole concept behind the 2nd Cycle is to embrace sustainability on the everyday objects found in Finnish people’s lives - whether it was furniture or lighting. Everyday objects that would normally be discontinued in use, are being rediscovered and given a 2nd round on their lifespan. By going on strong for a decade, it’s time for a toast in a form of a carefully curated exhibition - TEN.
All photography courtesy of Artek
You can find this amazing 1940s teak & rattan bamboo table from the 2nd Cycle catalogue - designer unknown.
The purpose is to deliver some of the greatest goods of Artek’s second-hand gems back to the rotation. Some of the items are being passed on from one generation to another, giving even more depth and sentimental value to their legacy.
What makes this different from other similar exhibitions is the fact all of these design objects are up for grabs both online and offline.
We selected some of the goods that are currently listed for sale at the Artek 2nd Cycle store - the rest of the TEN collection will be held as a mystery until its further premiere.
We Got tO interview Timo Penttilä and Antti Tevajärvi, both involved in the creativE Operations Of the artek 2nd cycle concept
(note: they collaborated on all questions for unified answers):
What was the initial spark to create Artek 2nd cycle?
Initially the main motivation for Artek 2nd Cycle was to showcase the longevity of Artek’s designs and also to celebrate the rich design heritage of Artek. We wanted to emphasize how timeless design furniture can last from one generation to the next and still remain topical aesthetically. Our aim was to also uplift the appreciation of something already once skilfully and elegantly created; that there is not always a necessity to purchase brand-new. This all resonated strongly with our followers and we quickly felt we’re onto something quite special. This was in 2006-2007.
An absolute staple of the collection; over a century-old wooden chair by Eevert Toivonen, which remains in amazing condition despite the many years it has been in use
What was the criteria for the “Ten” items and stories? How was the collection curated?
On the 15th of October the Artek 2nd Cycle store celebrates its 10 year anniversary. For the occasion we wanted to exhibit a small collection of quite versatile item range, in a sense showcase how the store’s item scope has broadened over the past 10 years. We wanted to include very classic 2nd Cycle items, but also more unusual Finnish design objects.
This lamp joins the century-old club within a few years as well - Paavo Tynell designed this ceiling lamp in 1930s and it was manufactured by Idman. The same lamp can be found from Alvar Aalto’s home in Munkkiniemi.
What is your your favorite Artek item of all time?
We find this question exceedingly difficult to answer. There are just so many to choose from. We feel thrilled making rare and special discoveries, and also it is always a pleasure to find a new owner for our pre-loved Finnish design treasures. It is quite special to come across something early Aalto design with an interesting background. At the same time it’s amazing to venture into not so well-known designers’ works and find new admirers for those as well.
What would you like to accomplish with this exhibition?
Each chosen exhibited item is a celebration of the strong Finnish design heritage. Every item has a purpose in communicating something vital about the Artek 2nd Cycle project.
This birch beauty is by Alvar Aalto himself - Small Side Table from 1950s
Will we see more exhibitions with the focus on 2nd hand Artek gems?
Actually we have had a small-scale exhibition program at Artek 2nd Cycle already since 2016. We have showcased design items from private collections (Igor Herler) held textile exhibitions with our collaborators(Johanna Gullichsen) showcased our own archival items (Artek’s permanent collection of Ilmari Tapiovaara designs)and also supported upcoming Finnish designer generations by offering student prototype shows at our exhibition space(Aalto university and the Design School of Lahti). We have also held an art exhibition with a contemporary artist(Inka Bell)The encounters with collectors, designers, artists, museums and designs students and teachers have proved fruitful.
We also at times loan items from our collection to museal, art and commercial exhibitions (Vitra Design Museum, DesignMuseo, Kansallismuseo, ForumBox, Marimekko, Helsinki Contemporary, Galerie Anhava, Centre Pompidou Metz, The Bard Graduate Center etc).
Ben af Schultén’s poster/Aalto furniture exhibition was designed by Lauri Johansson and Eliisa Korpijärvi and the visual identity was created by Tsto. This 2016 installation set the foundation for Artek 2nd Cycle’s exhibition program.
For someone who has never owned Artek products - what would you recommend as a first-buy for someone looking to enter the world of Artek?
It can be virtually any item because the details are so fascinatingly linked to each other.
Close up of the Artek Stool 60 with stunning visible patina
Exhibition details
TEN at the Artek 2nd Cycle store Helsinki is open from Friday, October 15th to Saturday, November 6th, then every Thursday and Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00 - as well as by appointment.
Additionally, an outpost of the exhibition can be visited at the nearby Artek Helsinki store, also from October 15th to November 6th.
The Artek 2nd Cycle digital pop-up shop will go live on October 15th and can be found at Artek TEN’s landing page.
More information about TEN and the Artek 2nd Cycle store anniversary will be published throughout October via Artek’s Instagram channels: @artekglobal, @artek2ndcycle, and @artekhelsinki.
Artek was founded in Helsinki in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Their goal was “to sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means.” In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek today remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture and art. The Artek collection consists of furniture, lighting and accessories designed by Finnish masters and leading international designers. It stands for clarity, functionality and poetic simplicity.
Curated by:
Oula Valkeinen, Joel Kotivuori, & Kasper Kasanen
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