Japanese design influencer Akira Minagawa appointed as curator of Finland’s first Finnish Glass Biennale

A man draws dark patterns on the canvas in front of him. — Akira Minagawa is a Japanese fashion and textile designer and illustrator. He is best known as the founder of the I Butterfly design label.

The biennial, which will be held in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi and Iittala, aims to showcase the possibilities of glass beyond traditional glass art.

She says in the press release that it is a great honour to be the first curator of the event.

– The industrialisation and mass production of crafts are global phenomena. In this context, the Finnish Glass Biennale can provide a platform to both reflect on the importance of craftsmanship and to cherish the environment in which craftsmanship originated.

Minagawa points out that, historically, Finland has produced numerous artists and designers, regardless of genre. It is therefore particularly significant that the Biennale is being held in Finland.

The Finnish Glass Biennale also reaches beyond traditional glass art and wants to invite people from creative fields to get to know the possibilities of glass.

– Inviting a curator to an exhibition organized for the first time creates a foundation for its future. The goal of the Finnish Glass Biennale is to grow into an internationally significant institution, Korkman states.

Oiva Toika's lollipops in the glass museum. — The collections of the Finnish Museum of Glass include, for example, Oiva Toikka’s lollipops. Archive photo.

Korkman reminds that Minagawa brings his wide-ranging creative perspective and international experience to the biennale. They complement the traditions of glass art and create visions of the future.

As curator, Akira Minagawa participates in the design of the main exhibition and the workshop for young designers. In addition, Minagawa is designing a collection of unique glass art objects that will be seen as part of the biennial exhibition.