The Kaj Franck Design Prize 1992
Professor Oiva Toikka
The first Kaj Franck Design Prize was awarded to Professor Oiva Toikka (born 1931), a versatile designer of manufactured and one-off works in glass and ceramics, who is widely recognized both in Finland and abroad. Toikka is also known as a set and costume designer. In the 1990s, he was a professor at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, alongside his other work.
Oiva Toikka's products often entail a technical idea that gives them an added personal touch. "Truly strict limitations are an inspiration that makes one want to add something of one's own," Toikka explains.
Household and utility objects designed by Toikka, such as the Kastehelmi, Flora and Pioni dinner services in glass and the Krouvi beer mug have been successful both in Finland and abroad. His Birds and Year Cubes are among art objects that are eagerly awaited every year.
Household glassware and unique, one-off pieces by Toikka have been on show in numerous joint and solo exhibitions, most recently at the Finnish National Opera, for which he has also designed sets and costumes, as also for the Savonlinna Opera Festival and a number of theatres in Finland. Toikka has also designed textiles for Marimekko.
Oiva Toikka participated in Design Forum's Classic Makers exhibition five years ago, and works by him were on show at the Finnish Design 125 Years exhibition in 2000. Toikka received the State Design Prize in 1975, the Pro Finlandia medal in 1980 and the Finland Prize in 2000.
