The light sculpture Marilyn by Finish designer Mikko Paakkanen (1975-) is, as the title indicates, inspired by so-called “subway dress” of Marilyn Monroe and the iconic scene in which the actress’ skirt flies up over a subway grate in the 1955 film The Seven-Year Itch. Slowly turning over the spectator’s head by means of a little motor, the incarnation of the wind in the soft white fabric is full of sensual grace and minimalistic beauty. More than a witty wink, this luminous sculpture is already part of the permanent collection of the Helsinki Design Museum, Finland.
Mikko Paakkanen is one of the most important contemporary Finish designers with a number of significant international exhibitions and private and public collections. His Big Stool received the Prize for the best contemporary design piece attributed by the PAD Paris Jury 2013 (President Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Honory President former cultural minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon).
Marilyn
Pendant 2008
Fabric, LED, aluminium
Ca 120 x 80 cm
Limited edition of 8 (+ 2 prototypes + 2 A.P.)
Marilyn
Finnish designer, Mikko Paakkanen, studied carpentry before deciding to pursue his interest in design and innovative manufacturing methods. In his work, Paakkanen uses his perspective as both carpenter and designer to make creative work that honours classic craftsmanship. Paakkanen completed a master’s degree at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1998, where he returned years later to teach. Working as a freelance designer since 1998, he founded his own design firm, Studio Paakkanen. He has designed products for well-known brands such as Nikari and Avarte, and has also worked as an interior architect and set designer for art projects and music videos. Mikko Paakkanen has received many awards and grants for his work, including the Finnish Cultural Foundation grant; the Muoto 2011 Award, and the Fennia Prize from the Design Forum Finland. Paakkanen’s works are housed in numerous museum collections, including the Cooper Hewitt Museum, New York, USA; Die Neue Sammlung, Munich, Germany; Röhrska Museet , Göteborg, Sweden; Designmuseo, Helsinki, Finland and Wakita Museum, Nagano, Japan.