Original color combinations and unexpected incarnations of long-familiar ideas in the works of the Swedish designer Karina Heg

Passing the gallery

Text: Dilara Muradova

Magazine: (Specific) 2002

Color for swedish designer Karin Khal - this is the main way of self-expression, which includes the main characteristics of its design - original color combinations and unexpected embodiments of seemingly familiar ideas for a long time. Her way to the top is literally and figuratively "studded with roses." In the second half of the 90s, when the works of Karina Heg for the first time received official recognition in their homeland, the phrase "Swedish design" was firmly associated with a cold range, elegance and simplicity. The fashion was dominated by minimalism, preferring asceticism to any manifestation of brightness and brilliance. Against such a background, the flashiness of Karina Heg’s collections and the clear appeal to the aesthetics of the 60s looked truly revolutionary. Daring, bright and accessible, which at one time became synonymous with the revival and emancipation of the textile industry of the Scandinavian countries, pop art acquired a completely new language in Karina’s collections. "Great sense of worthless things" Hag is looking for in fruits, flowers (a memory of the hippie philosophy?), Images of children and animals. In the 96th - the first award "Outstanding Swedish design", which were immediately awarded two collections Heg: Oranges (oranges) and Grasshoppers (grasshoppers). The admired reviews of the press, claiming that its "roses exude aroma, and in oranges feel the taste of fruit." Work with Swedish television, artists (including the popular Swedish group Ace of Base) and perfume companies, successful cooperation with foreign companies (HARRODS in London, TKASHIMAYA in New York). Another award is "Outstanding Swedish Design", this time for the Ovals collection (ovals). Continuous expansion of the "geography of popularity" - Europe, the United States, Israel, Japan ... In a quiet place north of Stockholm, Karina lives with her husband, three children and four cats. Here in the computer shop are embodied her ideas. "Many people like my design," says Karina, "and they admit that they are happy because of my things."