Harri Koskinen (b. 1970) is one of the best-known Finnish designers of his generation. In his work, he moves effortlessly between different materials, alternates between the production of series and unique objects, and combines industrial design with fine art. In the exhibition Possible Scenarios at Galerie Forsblom in Stockholm, Koskinen presents a new series of unique mouth-blown glass sculptures, made at Pino Signoretto’s legendary studio in Murano. The compact cylindrical sculptures evoke associations with the different layers of minerals in the earth, or with the shifting colors of the atmosphere. By using a simple form to compress light and energy, Koskinen creates an expressive interpretation of the relationship between the room, mass and volume. The exhibition also includes Massive Amber and Massive Grey: pendant light objects in the shape of stealth aircraft with hanging glass shades reminiscent of bombs descending from the ceiling. Despite the austerity of the composition, it offers a powerful and distinct impression, and can be read as a commentary on our times. Included from the Transition series are two glass helmet figures supervising the exhibition space.
Koskinen studied at the Lahti Institute of Design and the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. During his career, he has worked with Design House Stockholm, Svenskt Tenn, Iittala, Artek, Panasonic, Muji and Issey Miyake, among others. Koskinen has received several awards and prizes, including the international prize Compasso d’Oro; the Pro Finlandia medal; and the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg prize. His works are included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA; the Museum of Art and Design, Helsinki, Finland; and Röhsska Museet, Gothenburg, Sweden. Koskinen is currently the curator of the exhibition STILL/LIFE - Tapio Wirkkala Retrospective at the Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) in Espoo, Finland. He lives and works in Helsinki, Finland.