The exhibition at the International Cultural Centre presents contemporary design, which has become one of the top areas of culture, playing an important role in the foreign promotion of the two countries.
A series of tables inspired by melting Arctic ice, a glass sculpture whose form recalls crocheted tablecloths, bicycle racks inspired by cutlery designed by Hermann Bongard in the 1950s… these are just some examples of Norwegian designs presented by ICC. Polish exhibits include a stool inspired by traditional wicker chairs, a table made from wood from the old pier in Sopot and jewellery made from coal. The exhibition, including over 100 designs from the last 15 years, shows how in the era of globalisation, state-of-the-art technologies and destruction of the environment young designers source inspiration from the heritage of regional arts and crafts, use traditional styles and materials and seek inspiration from landscapes and history. The authors include Malafor, Jan Lutyk, Karina Królak, AP Dizajn, Fivetimesone, Kristine Five Melvær, Anderssen & Voll, Andreas Engesvik, Ole Petter Wullum and Stian Korntved Ruud. Contemporary designs are accompanied by objects from the Ethnographic Museum in Kraków and the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum. (Dorota Dziunikowska, "Karnet" monthly)