Exhibition 4 | KLAUS HAAPANIEMI

STUDIO 4 BERLIN is pleased to announce the fourth exhibition in their showroom in Berlin- Charlottenburg, where works by designer and artist KLAUS HAAPANIEMI will be on display.

The work of the Berlin-based Finn draws clear inspiration from nature, Finnish folklore and traditional decorative arts - his designs always have a wonderfully modern twist. The uniquely marvelous world of the internationally known designer can be related to both contemporary and traditional art, to ballet and music; fables, tales and operatic material find their way into his creations.

Together with the ‘Himmelblau’ printmaking workshop in Tampere, Haapaniemi has produced a nine-part series of etchings entitled ‘Xenia’ over the past few years, which will be exhibited alltogether for the first time at STUDIO 4 BERLIN. Fish, sea creatures, birds, snails and insects, mushrooms and fruits inhabit these whimsical and narrative compositions - frogs hide in open shells and flowers, a screeching purple rooster poses on an octopus head. Mika Minetti, head of culture at the Finnland-Institut, writes: “The artist created this series with drypoint and aquatint, drawing directly on metal plates without preliminary sketches. For each colour appearing in the etchings, a separate plate was prepared and then printed in the renowned ‘Himmelblau’ printmaking workshop in Tampere, Finland. These unique compositions spin together elements from his magical universe that comprises design, visual arts and luxurious fashion.”

KLAUS HAAPANIEMI & Co. was founded by Klaus Haapaniemi and Mia Wallenius in 2010 as a design and lifestyle brand. The company has been making exuberant designs ever since, focusing on hand-printed fabrics, cushions, woven throws and carpets. The expanding accessories collection includes high-quality, timeless silk scarves and kimonos, which can be seen in the exhibition alongside hand-knotted carpets and the ‘Xenia’ etching series.

We are very pleased to be able to organize Klaus Haapaniemi's first appearance in Germany with a solo exhibition and wish to thank the Finnland-Institut in Germany for their generous support.

A limited edition leporello leaflet with a text by Mika Minetti will be available at the exhibition.

You are welcome to visit the gallery at Krumme Straße 35 - 36 in Berlin Charlottenburg: we are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

Please send inquiries regarding images and further materials to: info@studio4berlin.com. We appreciate your interest!

Eva Morawietz, Katharina Maria Raab, Anahita Sadighi, Anne Schwarz

Photography: Tommi Aittala | STUDIO 4 BERLIN