Kaj Franck Design Prize 2021: Johanna Gullichsen
Textile designer Johanna Gullichsen has been selected as the recipient of the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2021, granted by Design Forum Finland. The Kaj Franck Design Prize is one of the most significant design prizes in Finland, and it will be granted for the 30th time this year.
Johanna Gullichsen is known for her graphic interior textiles that make use of traditional weaves. She has made determined and systematic efforts to update traditional textile types and patterns. Johanna Gullichsen founded her own enterprise in 1989. However, it was not until she opened a shop in Paris in 1997 that she made her breakthrough. At the same time, the first connections to Japan were established. Johanna Gullichsen's own collection includes fabrics, interior decoration items and accessories. Along with design assignments she has expanded to new areas such as cement floor tiles and tatami mats.
The prize jury stated that an appreciation of natural materials, handicrafts and the preservation of the weaving tradition is clearly visible in the textiles designed by Johanna Gullichsen. She has succeeded in combining her artistic and creative work with sustainable serial production. The textiles produced under Johanna Gullichsen brand are woven in Finland from natural materials, and their carefully considered colour combinations are a natural addition to Finnish interior and furniture design.
The unique approach has also resulted in collaborative projects with domestic and foreign designers and companies, stated the jury. Johanna Gullichsen’s designs are a strong continuation of the Finnish tradition of textile art.
The Kaj Franck Design Prize brings forth the central spirit and principles of designer Kaj Franck’s (1911–1989) oeuvre: high-quality, democratic and functional design that solves practical challenges and opens up new opportunities for companies excelling in design. A particular merit is if the rewarded designer brings beauty and joy to everyday life and enhances the quality of life. The prize sum is €10,000. The Kaj Franck Design Prize was established in 1992 by Design Forum Finland and it is funded by the Finnish Fair Foundation.
The members of the Kaj Franck Design Prize jury of 2021 were CEO Petteri Kolinen / Design Forum Finland, Chief Design Offícer Hanna Harris / City of Helsinki, clothing designer Anna Ruohonen, CEO Päivi Tahkokallio / Tahkokallio Design+ and designer, Professor Heikki Orvola.
Kaj Franck Design Prize exhibition is a part of Design Forum Finland Awards exhibition at Galleria A2, Helsinki, 3–24 June 2021.
Photo: Elina Simonen
More information:
Design Forum Finland, Communications Specialist Anne Veinola
anne.veinola@designforum.fi, +358 (0)40 548 6407
www.designforum.fi
#kajfranckdesignprize
Press images can be downloaded at www.designforum.fi/en/media/
www.johannagullichsen.com
johanna@johannagullichsen.com, +358 (0)50 552 1495
Kaj Franck Design Prize 2021: Johanna Gullichsen
Design Forum Finland Awards exhibition
3–24 June 2021 Galleria A2, Annankatu 12, Helsinki
DESIGN FORUM FINLAND
Design Forum Finland promotes the use of design in Finnish companies, especially as a tool for leadership and on a strategic level. Our services enhance companies’ international competitiveness and find new models for developing business for future customer needs. This creates value for customers, owners and society at large in the long term.
FINNISH FAIR FOUNDATION
The Finnish Fair Foundation promotes Finnish business life, different industries and expertise by granting scholarships and prizes each year. The most well-known prizes are the Kaj Franck Design Prize, the Habitare Design Competition Award, the Out of Love for Books Award, and The Finnish Excellence Award.
