|
The Taika range by Iittala amounts to more than just mere decoration. The rich artwork by Klaus Haapaniemi makes each Taika object – be it an es-presso cup or a cushion cover – a small story.
Since its launch in 2007, the highly individual Taika ('Magic' in English), has established itself as one of Iittala's best loved series. Klaus Haapaniemi's distinctive style and the timeless values of Iittala create an exciting mix where rich décor meets the simplified form.
The classic, clean lines of Professor Heikki Orvola's dinnerware designs have provided a strong foundation for the unique art of Haapaniemi. Within the framework of Finnish design, the same individual and decorative style that is displayed in Taika, can also be found in the works of Birger Kaipiainen, Doris von Fieandt or even Ulla Procopé.
Klaus Haapaniemi is inspired by Finnish folklore, and his work also reflects both Slavic and Japanese influences. “When I was little, I used to watch the Czech ani-mated film ‘The Mole' as well as other East-ern European and Russian animations. I still like the uncluttered and hand-made style of these animations.”
The simplified form allows room for the myth-ical forest and its many creatures, and makes Taika compatible with other Iittala items, such as the classic Teema series.
In 2013, Klaus Haapaniemi re-examined the animal characters and a new Taika pattern was added to the collection, based on the familiar characters. In the new Taika parts, the geo-metric lines are still present, with an added sense of softness. The new shapes, also by Heikki Orvola, look great with Asian-influenced cuisine.
Over the years, Taika has grown from ce-ramics to drinking glass and textiles because the versatility of the pattern makes it easy to apply to new materials. The magical world of Taika creates a mythical space where the designer wishes the user could step into.
“I hope that Taika stirs peoples' own imagi-nations and entices them to spin their own stories – I want people to create their own everyday fantasies.”
Heikki Orvola
Professor Heikki Orvola (b. 1943) belongs to the group of the most influential Finnish designers. Over the years, Orvola's materials have included glass, ceramics, cast iron, enamel and textile. The Kivi candleholder rates among the most popular of his works. In 1998, Heikki Orvola was granted a 15-year artist grant, and he currently concen-trates on his career as an artist.
Klaus Haapaniemi
Klaus Haapaniemi (b. 1970) has received a lot of attention in recent years on the interna-tional stage with his unique style; he has designed for and collaborated with Cacharel, Christian Louboutin, Established and Sons, among others, as well as the department stores Isetan, Harrods, Selfridges and Le Printemps.
Klaus Haapaniemi also has his own collec-tion based on luxury textiles. It is easy to find references to folklore in Haapaniemi's illus-tra-tions; Slavic and Japanese influences are also strongly present. Haapaniemi graduated from the Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts and lives in London.
| 
RSS Feed 
