STOCKHOLM.- This autumn, Nationalmuseum Design presents Embodied, an exhibition of works that challenge the conventional notion of craft. The exhibiting artists share an interest in the corporeal, often related to social issues such as identity, body image, objectification, and power structures. These works exist at the interface of outer and inner, of skin and organs.

This autumn’s exhibition at Nationalmuseum Design straddles the border between art and craft, challenging conventional ideas of what constitutes fine craft. The 12 participating artists have a common interest in the human body and the corporeal. The exhibition includes works that embrace the latest interactive, innovative lighting technology that has to be activated by physical touch. Other works are inspired by biohacking and highlight the idea of transhumanism, of the person and the body as an ongoing process in which the person can evolve and change through technology.

The exhibition interacts with visitors in a playful way. The mighty organ speaks to us through pipes shaped like the human throat and plays according to where we place our feet. Other works highlight contemporary issues that touch a nerve: How women perceive being objectified, and feminist resistance strategies. How mental pain is shaped into physical objects that express frustration and trapped emotions. How cancer treatment gives rise to touching works. These are works at the interface of outer and inner, of skin and organs.

Chronologically, the artists range from Annika Liljedahl, who attended Konstfack in the 1960s, to Ammy Olofsson, who graduated from the same school this May, and Maja Michaelsdotter Eriksson, currently a master’s student at HDK in Gothenburg.

Participating artists: Ammy Olofsson • Annika Liljedahl • Christian-Pontus Andersson • Daniela Hedman • Emma Linde • Jens Peterson-Berger and Olov Ylinenpää • Maja Michaelsdotter Eriksson • Malin Bobeck • Matilda Kästel • Märit Runsten • Per B. Sundberg

Embodied. Ongoing craft at the fringe will be on show at Nationalmuseum Design, located inside Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm, from 2 September 2016 to 15 January 2017.