Not only does it offer the opportunity to gain an insight into the design scene of Poland and Estonia, but also allows us to compare the countries and individuals regardless of national borders. Over time, design has reflected cultural, social and economic change. The influence and contribution of women to these transformations has grown. They play roles as active protagonists, independent players and thinkers, rather than merely muses and supporters. Over the last decade, mindfulness and holistic thinking have become essential characteristics of design processes, more than the spectacular and short-term performance qualities of design that we have seen in the past.
Undoubtedly, Polish designers have become integrated into the European scene without the traditional ‘Eastern European’ or ‘Central European’ designer prefixes. As recently as ten years ago Poland was still just a subcontractor for the leading design brands. Today it is recognised as a strategic, design and business partner, combining genuine craftsmanship, design quality and reasonable prices.
“Looking Through Objects. Women in Contemporary Polish Design” is a touring exhibition accompanied by exhibitions on women in contemporary design from the hosting country. Estonia is the first partner.
The Polish part of the exhibition was prepared by the Gdańsk National Museum and the Estonian part by the Museum of Applied Art and Design.
