Danish Modern - by Mark Mussari (Paperback)

About the Book

"Danish Modern explores the development of mid-century modernist design in Denmark from historical, analytical and theoretical perspectives. Mark Mussari explores the relationship between Danish design aesthetics and the theoretical and cultural impact of Modernism, particularly between 1930 and 1960. He considers how Danish designers responded to early Modernist currents: the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, their rejection of Bauhaus aesthetic demands, their early fealty to wood and materials, and the tension between cabinetmaker craft and industrial production as it challenged and altered their aesthetic approach. Tracing the theoretical foundations for these developments, Mussari discusses the writings and works of such figures as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, and Finn Juhl"--

Book Synopsis

Danish Modern explores the development of mid-century modernist design in Denmark from historical, analytical and theoretical perspectives. Mark Mussari explores the relationship between Danish design aesthetics and the theoretical and cultural impact of Modernism, particularly between 1930 and 1960. He considers how Danish designers responded to early Modernist currents: the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, their rejection of Bauhaus aesthetic demands, their early fealty to wood and materials, and the tension between cabinetmaker craft and industrial production as it challenged and altered their aesthetic approach. Tracing the theoretical foundations for these developments, Mussari discusses the writings and works of such figures as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, and Finn Juhl.

Review Quotes

"Mark Mussari has sucessfully created an invaluable resource for understanding the foundation for the growth of modernist design in Denmark and its interaction with international tendencies. It functions as a superb overview of the ways in which Danish design developed in the important interwar and postwar years and it is an excellent textbook for teachers and students in universities, academies and design schools additionally a fine introduction for readers with an interest in Danish design and its impact on and relationship with international Modernism." --Dr Ida Engholm, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts

"Mussari's wonderful book will get all kinds of readers, from students to scholars to those who adore living with good design, to reevaluate their preconceptions about Danish design. Through a sophisticated historical lens that engages with theory and design practice, Mussari's Danish Modern is a revelation!" --David Brody, Associate Professor of Design Studies at Parsons, The New School, USA

"Considering contemporary receptions and radical, historical changes, Mussari delivers a rich account of Danish Modern beyond the praise of its 'timelessness'. Through their Danish writings, he positions such diverse designers as Henningsen, Juhl and Mogensen in an intricate exploration of aesthetics, ideologies and promotion as ongoing tensions in Danish design culture." --Dr Anders Munch, Professor of Design and Communication at the University of Southern Denmark

About the Author

Mark Mussari is an independent scholar, freelance writer, translator and consultant, based in Arizona, USA.