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MAN MATTER METAMORPHOSIS

10 000 Years of Design – The National Museum of Finland

Publication 2018 – edited, written and designed together with Florencia Colombo

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This publication presents an unprecedented collection from the National Museum of Finland. It brings into focus multiple dialogues from a primal origin: the end of the ice age, the arrival of man and first material interactions. The archives from the Archaeological and Ethnological Collections provide an unparalleled substance for these themes. Through a selection of content spanning 10 000 years, the following examines the unique engagement of society towards ecosystem, energy sources, and matter. This timeless view presents the legacy of values that have proven relevant to Finland’s ingenious approach towards design.

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The content attempts to provide a kaleidoscopic overview of the development of material culture in Finland. The analysis is non-linear. It is also non-taxonomic. The purpose of this approach is to introduce alternative perspectives.

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Man Matter Metamorphosis

This is a primal and constant aspect of human-ecosystem interaction. The boundaries between these variables are fluid. The universe of artifacts that results from this equation is a constitutive element of societies.

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10,000 Years

The land that today comprises Finland began to rise from the Atlantic waters approximately 10,000 years ago. The Baltic was first a bay.  As the ice receded, it revealed the outline and characteristics of the present territory.

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Universal Things

Standard solutions are identified across the globe. Equivalent formal and technical models reflect a human Cognitive problem Solving template. Man Matter Metamorphosis reflects on localized and global approaches.

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Publisher: Finnish Heritage Agency

Copyright © Finnish Heritage Agency / Florencia Colombo – Ville Kokkonen

Cover image: Jari Väätäinen, Geological Survey of Finland / GTK