High Resolution – Works by Tapio Wirkkala. Photographs by Hans Hansen

About

The selected works from Jacksons represent Tapio Wirkkala's emphasis on the material's intrinsic qualities, for which he translated patterns found in nature into physical form. The exhibition shows some of Wirkkala's works in clear and engraved glass, in both abstract and defined shapes. To further elaborate on Wirkkala's mastery of the material, other rare objects, furniture and lighting pieces in wood and silver are on display at Jacksons.

Hans Hansen has been inspired by Tapio Wirkkala ever since seeing his Ice Sculptures at the "Triennale di Milano" in 1960. Since then, he has continued to photograph Wirkkala's glass objects as an ongoing, independent project for decades. The photographs of Hansen depict details, surfaces and silhouettes of Wirkkala's glass objects, revealing their sensual character in graphical ways. This is the first time a selection of these photographs are shown in an exhibition.

By juxtaposing Wirkkala's delicate objects with their retinal counterparts, "High Resolution" invites viewers to zoom in and reflect on the legacy of 20th-century design from different perspectives.“When looking at Wirkkala’s glass objects I always felt thrilled. Only consisting of glass and the light captured, fragmented or dispersed by its volume, these objects seem to represent the constant flux of nature itself. Hansen’s camera lens and Wirkkala’s glass objects show a strong connection through the refraction of light". - Ilke Penzlien

Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was a designer of remarkable versatility and technical virtuosity. He embraced the use of traditional materials and processes of Finnish handcraft in combination with emotionally seductive forms found in nature. Apart from his many achievements within applied arts, he was also a pioneer of Finnish abstract sculpture.

Hans Hansen (born 1940) is considered one of the most influential contemporary product photographers, and is widely known for defining a simplistic style based on the principals of reduction and abstraction.

Ilke Penzlien (born 1974) is an interior designer from Berlin. After "In order of Appearance" (2012), this is the second show she curates at Jacksons. For the exhibition, she has designed a set of display tables as a long, winding trail flowing in an organic shape through the gallery space.

Special thanks to Timothy Persons - Gallery Taik Persons.