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Sabine Finkenauer x Marimekko Collaborate on Graphic Collection

04.21.23 | By
Sabine Finkenauer x Marimekko Collaborate on Graphic Collection

The Marimekko Artist Series was conceived to allow the heritage Finnish design brand to invite emerging and celebrated artists to interpret their catalog of goods in their own unique fashion. Previous collaborators include artists Virginie Hucher and Landon Metz. Marimekko’s latest artist collaboration announced in time for Milan Design Week 2023 is with Sabine Finkenauer, a Barcelona-based German artist known for her textural abstractions of landscapes composed of rhythmic colors and geometric line work – a perfect pairing for Marimekko’s own textile prints and home goods.

Collage of Marimekko x Finkenauer Artist Series collection, including pillows, throws and homewares ceramics.

The 16-piece capsule collection is described as a celebration of the “pursuit for timelessness and the expression of art in the everyday objects,” with Finkenauer creating seven exclusive pieces of art to embellish the capsule collection across both ceramics and home textile products. There’s a little bit of Klee and Calder in spirit across the collection; whether printed across textiles or ceramics, Finkenauer’s work melds well to add dimensionality onto hard and plush surfaces alike.

Gray round glossy table with two ceramic mugs and two small trays with red stool underneath,

Large Marimekko x Finkenauer Artist Series textile draped over blue wall with blue metal chair and window nearby

“My artistic method can be defined as a game whose rules I establish by playing,” explains Finkenauer. “And, above all, an aspiration for simplicity in which I believe the greatest beauty resides.” The artist’s vocabulary of simple and bold shapes are in service of both ornament and geometry, which of course makes Finkenauer’s work easily adaptable for objects intended for domestic use.

“[It’s] something very natural and opportune since the dialogue with the crafts and the theming of the ornament are part of my artistic interest,”
says Finkenauer. “For me it has been an extraordinary experience working with Marimekko and knowing that my drawings will shine in many homes accompanying their resident in their daily lives fills me with pride and joy.”

Green table top with ceramic plates, tray, and bowl with rich blue cast iron pot set on Marimekko fabric.

Detail sketch of the Marimekko x Finkenauer pattern designs on green surface table.

Marimekko partnered with Durat, a Finnish company manufacturing three-dimensional surfaces out of recycled plastic for the week-long conceptual and abstract installation at Milan Design Week, one displaying Sabine Finkenauer’s entire creative process from artwork sketches to final products, alongside the premiere of Marimekko’s new glassware series designed by Matti Klenell [shown below] through April 23rd.

Marimekko x Finkenauer Collection bowl and tray set next to Matti Klenell glassware collection on rounded peach-tan table with blue wall background.

Marimekko x Finkenauer Collection tray with dark green glass piece set across peach-tan surface.

For those looking for a more easily and accessible Marimekko collaboration, there’s always the IKEA x Marimekko BASTUA collection (we nabbed a bench ourselves).

The Marimekko exhibition is open to the public through April 23, 2023 at Galleria II Milione in the Brera Design District.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.