Scandinavian Art

I used to hate IKEA because it was always so crowded there. IKEA, if you don't know, is a Swedish chain, very popular for its clean colors, shapes, and minimalism. I think I have finally understood the reason why its so popular. Here are a few pieces by Grete Prytz, made in the 1950's:

(If I hadn't known it, I would think that this a modern, 21st century design. )

Tapio Wirkkala made this:

 I'm drinking water from this shape right now. Many of of these Scandinavian modern artists started designing these items after World War II. Lots of their designs take inspiration from things like frozen ice and the texture of tree bark. In order to make household items economical, they used materials like plastic, glass, wood, ceramic, and steel. I think this is a very revolutionary, and uniquely Scandinavian artistic idea; making something economical, but beautiful and modern.