information from the National Nordic Museum

March 28 – September 6

The National Nordic Museum presents the technicolored story of an inspired, knowledgeable, and principled creator of fashion for women with “Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe.” This career retrospective of Swedish fashion designer Gudrun Sjödén (b. 1941) examines her philosophy, process, and practice through watercolors, clothing, textiles, and archival materials. From her first brick and mortar location on Stockholm’s Regeringsgatan to today’s online marketplace, “Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe,” will trace the trajectory of her life as a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
 
“We are delighted to bring the work of this inspiring woman to Seattle audiences,” said CEO Eric Nelson. “I am sure the exhibit will be spectacular.”

 
The exhibition title “Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe”*  references a guiding consideration in her designs:  color. Sjödén cites French artist Henri Matisse’s bright, brilliant canvases and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s eclectic, vibrant personal style as influences. From Sweden, the artistic influence of the Sámi captured Sjödén’s attention early in her career, and she has since discovered that her own maternal line may be traced to the indigenous inhabitants of Sápmi, more specifically the Kola Peninsula. Each of her collections examines a region of the world, and she collaborates with designers who have firsthand understanding of these aesthetics and their significance. Fascinated by folk motifs and flowers, Sjödén has explored the visual culture of Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Recurring motifs are abstracted sunflowers, tulips, and roses—the last being her signature shape.  
 
Visitors to the National Nordic Museum will see how Sjödén’s work begins as a painting in watercolor, which she then translates into textile design. Sjödén received her artistic training in regional textile traditions at Stockholm’s Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts, and Design (1958–1963) and draws from this foundational educational experience in each year’s collection. In 1974, she registered her trademark—Gudrun Sjödén AB—which led to Sjödén opening a storefront from which to sell her textiles two years later
 
“Along with many programs during opening week with Gudrun Sjödén, we are excited to be presenting related programing throughout the summer on women entrepreneurs in the Nordic countries and the Pacific Northwest, the folk history of Swedish costumes, and several art programs for children inspired by the exhibition,” said Leslie Anderson, Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Programs.
 
A complete calendar of events can be found at nordicmuseum.org.
 
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*Note: at the request of the designer, we are using the British title of this exhibition, hence "Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe."
 
March Events With Gudrun Sjödén

Artist Talk
Gudrun Sjödén
Mar 28, 2020
2:00pm - 3:00pm
National Nordic Museum
 
Renowned Swedish designer Gudrun Sjödén visits the National Nordic Museum on March 28. Fans of the Swedish designer will have a chance to learn more about her process and ask questions during an informal Q&A on stage at Osberg Hall. For more than 40 years, one of Scandinavia's most unique designers and entrepreneurs has been creating whimsical fashion collections and spreading cheerful splashes of color all over the world. Find out about the background of this fascinating company, the sources of Gudrun Sjödén’s inspiration, and the appreciation for nature that informs her designs. This talk is presented in conjunction with the exhibit: Gudrun Sjödén—A Colourful Universe, March 28-Sept 6, 2020.

https://www.nordicmuseum.org/product/4643
 
The talk is free to the public and takes place in the Museum’s Osberg Hall. 

More About The National Nordic Museum
 
Relocated to a stunning new facility in the heart of Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood in 2018, the National Nordic Museum is the only museum in the United States that showcases the impact and influence of Nordic values and innovation in contemporary society and tells the story of 12,000 years of Nordic history and culture, across all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as semi-autonomous regions of Sápmi, Greenland, Åland, and the Faroe Islands.
 
The Museum’s mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place.
 
More than 180,000 visitors annually go to the National Nordic Museum’s exhibitions as well as concerts, lectures, films, traditional folk culture classes, and special events.