Artek - bench Kiki 2 seater 
The Kiki Bench has a frame made of distinctive oval steel tubing. The seat upholstery offers clean, smooth-edged contours that provide comfort and support. Compact in size and, like a mannequin, appealing in any colour or fabric, the bench’s overall effect is one of memorable simplicity. Also part of the collection are the Kiki Lounge Chair, Sofa, and Low Table. Thanks to their modular nature, the pieces within the Kiki collection can be teamed in any number of configurations, while their compact size means they fit naturally into smaller spaces. Announcing a departure from designer Ilmari Tapiovaara’s earlier work, Kiki employs a clean-cut design idiom.
Ilmari Tapiovaara
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was one of the greatest interior architects and designers of his time. It is often though that he has captured the essence of Finnish identity, creating dozens of iconic objects that remain famous to this day. Tapiovaara graduated in 1937 from the Department of Furniture Design of the Central School of Art and Crafts in Helsinki. After completing his studies, he worked as an assistant at the office of Le Corbusier's in Paris before becoming art director and designer at Asko Oy, at that time one of Finland's largest furniture manufacturers. During his long career, Tapiovaara has refused to stay within the confines of traditional furniture design. With interests as broad as his talents, he created everything from wood carvings to movie posters and graphics, from sauna stoves to cutlery, even a portable grill. With the mind of an explorer and the soul of a craftsman, he was always looking for new ways to improve everyday objects.
Artek was founded in Helsinki in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Their goal was "to sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living through exhibitions and other educational means. "In line with the radical spirit of its founders, today it remains an avant-garde character in the world of modern design, developing new products by joining design, architecture and art. The collection consists of furniture, lighting and accessories designed by Finnish masters and international designers. It stands for clarity, functionality and poetic simplicity. The name Artek is a synthesis of "art" and "technology", such as central concepts for the international modernist movement that came to prominence in the 1920s. From the beginning, the mission was to achieve a great synthesis of the arts, eroding the boundaries between fine arts, architecture and design. Artek’s manifesto outlines the vision of the four founders of the company. With titles such as Modern Art, Industry and Interior Design, Propaganda, the manifesto clarifies the company’s goals: to achieve a synthesis of the arts, to improve everyday life and to bring modernism to Finland - while spreading Alvar Aalto's Nordic interpretation of these principles to the world. Artek furniture is made in line with the original vision of Alvar Aalto to combine modern production methods with skillful craftsmanship and carefully selected materials. Regional supply and security are always priorities for both Artek and its partners, ensuring ethical production and lasting quality.
