An exhibition of diploma projects by new graduates of the Aalto University School of Art and Design is on display in the venerable neo-classical area of Helsinki bordering Senate Square, in the so-called “Elephant Block”. The exhibition brings the student work from the university to the city, making the design an integral part of the city and city life.

 

The underlying idea is to make the School and the exhibition, an annual spring tradition, a visible and influential force in the city and society – close to and interacting with its audiences.

 

The exhibition’s curator, Marita Liulia, comments on the new direction of the exhibition: “Masters of Arts 2010 is a historical exhibition in many ways. As the planning and production of the exhibition were underway, the University of Art and Design Helsinki became part of Aalto University [through a merger of three leading universities] and the exhibition was moved from the Arabianranta campus to Helsinki’s historic centre.”

 

The exhibition displays work by 81 MA graduates, altogether representing 15 degree programmes. The exhibition takes over close to one thousand square metres in former city offices.

 

The exhibition has four themes. The main theme “City of Senses”, which gives its name to the entire exhibition, refers to re-working of cities and to urban design. “Emotional Design” refers to utilization of senses and emotions as tools of design. “Second Skin” is the title for the clothing design section. “Slow Art” refers to the important role of manual skills and manual work in design and incorporates drawings, cartoons, and photography inspired by light and the nature.

 

The Masters of Arts 2010 awards three graduates: Susanna Manner of the Art Education degree programme, Mats Lönngren of Industrial and Strategic Design, and Dylan Kwok of Spatial Design.

 

Manner’s diploma project “Journeys to Dreams” explores the diverse ways in which children experience art from an interactive perspective. Lönngren’s project “Engagement and dimensions of space” deals with the impact of work environments on workers’ commitment, motivation and creativity. Kwok, of Canada, explores in his “Urban AgriPuncture” project how to activate courtyards “by introducing vertical greenhubs” – how rough, urban environments can be made green by retrofitting spaces for residents to grow plants, with educational consequences and contributing to recycling.

 

Liulia says, “The Masters of Arts 2010 is one starting point to the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 project.” Both the projects and the exhibition embed design in life.

 

Masters of Arts – City of Senses, in the Helsinki city centre, entrance at Aleksanterinkatu 16-18. On display through June 13, 2010.