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
Mikko Paakkanen is one of the most important artists and designers of the new Nordic generation. Internationally
known as a fu
rniture designer, he is the founder and main designer of Studio Paakkanen.
Originally educated as a cabinetmaker, Paakkanen is fond of materials of fine quality and customized manufacturing methods. As years went forward, Paakkanen understood that his true interests lie in inventing new solutions and solving problems. By combining these two talents in his work today, Paakkanen can see things from both the designer’s and the carpenter’s point of view.
Paakkanen’s works are housed in numerous museum collections, including the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York, the Design Museum Munich, the Röhrska Museet Göteborg, the Design Museum Helsinki and the Wakita Museum Shimokawa.
Paakkanen also teaches at Aalto University School of Art and Design in Helsinki, Finland.