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Ane Lykke designs illuminating Kumiko Light Object for Designmuseum Danmark
The Kumiko Light Object is a fusion between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a new Nordic perspective.
By JOHAN MAGNUSSON
27 Oct 2022

This summer, Designmuseum Danmark reopened to the public after a two-year total renovation, offering exhibitions that cover the entire spectrum of design, from icons of the past, to modernism, and the significant themes of today. When reopened the museum commissioned Danish designer Ane Lykke to present one of her works in a profiled space and her Kumiko Light Object now illuminates the grand entrance hall of the museum.

Danish designers, including many of the great icons that are now part of the museum’s collections, have historically found great inspiration in Japan. This also applies to contemporary designer Ane Lykke. Known for her site-specific works and large-scale installations in public spaces as well as her artistic one-off pieces made for exhibitions, galleries, and private collectors, she’s represented in Europe by Galerie Maria Wettergren and by design gallery Hostler Burrows in the U.S., where she soon will be on show at art fairs and exhibitions. Her inspiration stems from working and living in Japan as a young designer as well as multiple research travels in recent years. Made of cypress wood, the Kumiko Light Object is based on the Japanese woodworking technique Kumiko and is a fusion between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a new Nordic perspective. The three-dimensional grid and three parallel layers play with different states — light, shadow, and depth. The interaction between these creates different modes of shadow, depth, and reflection. The object combines the intangible, in this case light, with elements and forms structures that generate an ever-changing experience depending on the viewer’s position in relation to the object. The purpose is to invite the viewer into a ”dialogue”, as a co-creator.

— I seek to give visitors a subtle exploration into light and space. To be present — to move and explore, and to become aware that the experience of my works is kaleidoscopic — it corresponds to the place in which one is viewing, she says.

— With Ane Lykke’s light object placed in our entrance hall, our visitors are welcomed by beautiful, contemporary design, when entering the museum building. As the relationship between Japanese and Danish design also is reflected in our collection and exhibitions, we hand-picked Kumiko Light Object as part of our curated guest areas, says head of development at Designmuseum Danmark, Kristian Rise.