DESIGN /
PRODUCT
January 16, 2015
Eric Hoglund Exhibition at Shibuya Hikarie, Featuring 150 Early Works
The Legacy of a Nordic Glassware Revolutionary
Hoglund: 150 Early Works on Display
An exhibition by Erik Höglund, one of Sweden's foremost glass artists, is currently underway at 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery in Shibuya Hikarie. This exhibition features approximately 150 of his early works, created between 1953 and 1973, including flower vases, ashtrays, and objets d'art.
Text by OPENERS DESIGN
Primitive Works Embracing Bubbles and Imperfections
Erik Höglund was born in 1932 and became a celebrated glass artist. After studying sculpture at Konstfack (now the University of Arts, Crafts and Design) in Stockholm, he worked as a designer for the glass manufacturer BODA from 1953 to 1973.
In 1957, he received the Lunning Prize, a prestigious award often considered the pinnacle of Nordic design. At 25, his win was a remarkable feat, making him the youngest recipient among esteemed past winners such as Hans Wegner, Tapio Wirkkala, and Kaj Franck.
Following his award, he continued to vigorously pursue new forms of expression and materials, maintaining a prolific career until his passing in 1998.
Over 150 of his creations can still be found in public spaces both within Sweden and internationally.
Höglund also brought a fresh perspective to glass artistry. At a time when refined designs were favored, he infused his work with the warmth of Nordic tradition and the spirit of South American craftsmanship, resulting in pieces with a more organic feel. His signature style incorporates embossed motifs of animals and faces, bold color palettes, and even the bubbles and distortions that artisans often sought to avoid.
In his pursuit of imbuing glass with warmth and a sense of human touch, he experimented extensively, testing various materials as furnace fuel and even plunging glass into sawdust.
This exhibition showcases rare pieces that are seldom seen in Japan. Visitors can explore Höglund's multifaceted appeal through his pioneering achievements born from trial and error, the profound charm of his handcrafted works, and the primitive, humanistic beauty of his creations.
Erik Höglund Exhibition
Dates: October 1 (Wed) - October 20 (Mon)
Venue: 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery
2-21-1 Shibuya Hikarie 8F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
In cooperation with: ELEPHANT, craft_one
Admission: Free