ronan & erwan bouroullec present vases for iittala in 'imperfections' exhibition in stockholm

iittala presents imperfections by ronan & erwan bouroullec during stockholm design week 2020, an exhibition exploring materiality and the glass-making process at a factory where expert craftsmanship meets mass production. taking place at the wetterling gallery, the exhibition investigates the subtle balance between perfection and imperfection. there, the finnish design brand showcases new art pieces by the bouroullec brothers, including large ruutu glass vases (see previous coverage here), in moss green, copper, rain and clear, with a special engraving and complemented by bespoke glass flowers, as well as ceramic versions of the vases that form the same symmetrical shape.

all images courtesy of studio bouroullec

from 4 to 9 february 2020, iittala and the bouroullec brothers will introduce new ceramic objects and art pieces in glass during imperfections at the wetterling gallery, an exhibition that reflects the relationship between the perfect and imperfect in nature and design. ronan and erwan bouroullec have worked with iittala for almost a decade and introduced ruutu (‘diamond’ in finnish) vases to the collection in 2014. due to its unique structure, the production of the vase takes 24 hours and involves at least seven craftsmen working in the company’s glass factory. in spring 2020 the ruutu collection has been complemented by ceramic vases that form the same symmetrical shape, are hollow cast and finished by hand with a thin layer of enamel that gives a feeling of depth to the material.

‘I find perfection extremely boring,’ notes ronan bouroullec. ‘the mystery of imperfection creates beauty and charm to an object. the charm is the balance between the perfect and the imperfect. good objects have a long-lasting charm, like a good song that can be enjoyed over and over for the next fifty years.’

at the same time, iittala will showcase moss green, copper, rain and clear versions of the ruutu glass vases, with a special engraving and complemented by bespoke glass flowers. ‘we wanted to create glass flowers that were a combination of two opposite materials: delicate glass and rough iron,’ explains ronan bouroullec. ‘one is mouthblown to life while the other one is hammered into the desired shape. there is something sensual in both materials although the techniques are completely different.’ during stockholm design week iittala will also showcase a calming installation featuring new objects by matti klenell and philippe malouin, which explores the balancing act of nature and provides a place to breathe in the middle of the busy week.