Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design

When in Amsterdam...the Stedelijk Museum is home to contemporary art. Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk is an exhibition of one of the Netherlands most famous designers.

The exhibition, curated by Ingeborg de Roode, brings together 400 pieces and 25 years of Marcel Wanders work. In 2011, the New York Times labeled Wanders the Lady Gaga of the design world. As he was 'a constant font of ideas and energy who is nearly impossible to ignore'.

Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders 1996

Marcel Wanders rise to fame came in the 1990s. In 1996, his Knotted Chair was released to international acclaim at the Milan Furniture Fair. He developed the chair for the Droog collective and in 2001 foundered Moooi furniture. 

The exhibition is laid out in three distinct areas. The first decision is to decide which zone to explore first, White or Black Zones. 

The White Zone, charts the progression of Wander's work. This zone is based on 10 themes among them surface, innovation, playing with scale. 

The Black Zone, presents work that is more experimental and personal to Wanders. The contrast from the White Zone creates a simple powerful dramatic effect.

The Lounge area at the end of the exhibition shows his work for design brands.

The iconic works of Wanders are presented. Such as, Set Up Shades lamp (1989), Knotted Chair (1996), Lace Table (1997), Egg Vase (1997) and Skygarden lamp (2007). There are also lesser known pieces and recent pieces such as the special edition version for this exhibition of the Egg Vase.

Egg Vase: Marcel Wanders

If you are a designer or just love design this is must if you are in Amsterdam. Even if you don't think you enjoy design you will find something in this exhibition that screams cool. The exhibition runs from February 1 until June 15 2014. The Exhibition Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design is sponsored by Koninklijke Ahold N.V. 

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Other blogs related:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Amsterdam Guide To Dutch Design

Amsterdam Guide to Dutch Design

When in Amsterdam....explore Dutch Design. Here is your guide to the best places to experience Dutch Design in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a city known for its creativity, and business. The two are wonderful bed fellows that create unique and functional products that are little quirky.

Here are a list of places to visit, see and experience the best of Dutch Design.

Interior design Shops

• Moooi Gallery: Furniture label of the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Droog: A collective established in the 1990s that has become the flagship store for Dutch Design.
• &Klevering sells interior home accessories.
• Frozen Fountain stocks emerging and established designers. Look out for the specially commissioned pieces.
• Mobilia Woonstudio: has an impressive selection of top Dutch design labels.
• Thinking of Holland: stocks Dutch Design souvenirs.

Knotted Chair: Marcel Wanders

Museums

• Stedelijk: The home to contemporary art. Has a great range of turn of the 20th century furniture by famous designers such as Berlage.
• Museum Het Schip: An old apartment block that represents the Amsterdam School of architecture.
• Foam: Amsterdam's most recognized photography museum. The concept was developed by Amsterdam based creative agency Vandejong.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Hotels

• Andaz Amsterdam - the 5 star hotel part of the Hyatt group is located centrally in the old old library on the Prinsengracht. The interior is designed by the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Dutch Design Hotel Artemis, a little out of town the hotel building's design was influenced by geometric forms of Mondrian, Dudok and Rietveld. Furniture and fittings are designed by contemporaries such as Piet Hein Eek, Marcel Wanders and Richard Hutten.

Andez Hotel foyer Amsterdam

IAmsterdam Sign

• Yes, you read it right.. The great sign markets the city of Amsterdam. Designed by the creative group KesselsKramer. 
• The sign is always moving but look for it in its normal home on Museumplein.

Bike Shops

• Vanmoof
• Blackstar Bamboo Bikes

Blackstar Bamboo Bike

Streetware

• Patta

Amsterdam Streetware brand Patta

Dutch Design Tours

• Omy Amsterdam Tours

If you have any further suggestions please let us know. We are on Facebook, and Google+,  

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Blogs posts similar:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design.

What is Dutch Design?

When in Amsterdam...explore Dutch Design. The phrase 'Dutch Design' became popular in the late 20th century. It was particularly associated with the esthetic of product design.

As with all generalizations it is hard to put your finger on what characterizes Dutch Design. Normally, the design is described by words such as minimalism, innovative, experimental and quirky.

Some like Chris Kabel, Professor at the world famous Design Academy Eindhoven, argue that Dutch Design is 'down to earth and practical'. Explained by the country and its environment.

The Netherlands is a country that is functional because of necesity. The country is a small delta state. The Dutch have battled the rising sea and waters of Europe's great rivers for centuries. Functional, practical yet small.  Early nationhood in the 17th century inspired an independence and individualism that can be seen in the clarity and simplicity of Dutch Design.

At the turn and start of the 20th century artists such as Mondrian, Rietveld and Berlage were influential. In the 1990s functionality no longer was primary and conceptual, artistic design was prominent. Designers such as Macel Wanders, Hella Jongerius and Jurgen Bey came to fame.

The education system has greatly contributed to the rise of the Dutch Design School. The Design Academy was rated the best in the world by the New York Times in 2003. Amsterdam's Rietveld Academy is prominent pillar of the Netherlands system. These institutions encourage cross disciplinary work fussing design influence.

Today you can see all of this influence. Some say the Dutch Design characteristics have changed as they must. The new generation strive to differentiate themselves and bring their personality and face to the design world. Exciting times lie ahead.

If you are in Amsterdam and wish to explore Dutch Design come on a specialty sightseeing tour conducted by an expert design guide, Amsterdam Design Tour: What makes it Dutch?



When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Similar blog posts:

• Amsterdam Guide to Dutch Design
• Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design