Finnish Drinking Culture Exhibit

Last night at a reception sponsored by the Consulate General of Finland in New York City, students from the University of Art and Design in Helsinki on their way back from the Glass Art Society conference in Corning  presented their unique glass tableware sets to those in attendance as part of an exhibit entitled “Breaking the Aquarium: Finnish Contemporary Glass Design”. Showcasing some of the macabre dark humor Fins are known for, the pieces came with descriptions such as this on a set of cocktail glasses designed by Vesa Kattelas entitled The Hang Over:

“This cocktail glass is here to remind you what’s next to come. It is up to you how it should be used- you can prevent the hang over by using with a glass of water or you can maximize it with a beer, wine or brandy glass. Drinking is always fun, but be sure- tomorrow will come!”

The exhibit, which also includes champagne glasses inspired by the Finnish Forrest, a picnic set that plays music, a concave- mirror bottomed beer glass (for observing your own imbibement), and knives to be used in a highly modernist “knife fight”, is inspired by the world renowned Finnish drinking culture.

Though the pieces were only on view for one day before they were packed up and brought back to Helsinki, you can view some of the collective’s work at www.kaamosgroup.fi