Louis Poulsen has teamed up with leading-edge artists Oliver Sundqvist and Frederik Nystrup-Larsen to celebrate the House of Light’s 150th anniversary. With their large-scale installation, A Heart of Light, the duo provides a refreshing perspective of perhaps our greatest icon, PH Artichoke, by inviting everyone on a physical and metaphysical expedition into its essence.
The PH Artichoke from 1958 is renowned worldwide for its sculptural design, which ensures flawless glare-free lighting with its 72 leaves. It is undoubtedly one of the most timeless designs from the Master of Light, Poul Henningsen. Today, the artists Oliver Sundqvist and Frederik Nystrup-Larsen have interpreted the iconic pendant in their outstanding art installation A Heart of Light.
- As we began to peel off each individual leaf, we were struck by the intricate design of the PH Artichoke. Each leaf has its own unique curvature, contributing to the overall design expression. People will notice and can relate to it physically when they see it. The installation works as a microscope. With dimensions of about 2 x 1,5 metres, the largest leaves are the size of a person. Here, it becomes evident, how much thought PH put into his design back then.
Frederik Nystrup-Larsen, artist
Henningsen based the PH Artichoke design on earlier drawings of a metal version of his delicate glass crown PH Septima from 1928. It was never put into production. However, 30 years later, he refined his design and created the PH Artichoke for the restaurant in the modern and minimalistic Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen, where it continues to provide warm and atmospheric lighting.
Having designed to shape light for a lifetime, Louis Poulsen continues to take great pride in enhancing our surroundings and its people with superior design.
- We continuously challenge our understanding of light and design by exploring the essence of exceptional lighting and how we connect the work of past masters with that of contemporary designers and the next generation. Gaining new perspectives through art is incredibly enriching, and we are delighted to share this experience.
— Monique Faber, Product and Design Director at Louis Poulsen
The PH Artichoke remains as captivating as ever today. Frederik Nystrup-Larsen and Olivier Sundqvist have meticulously peeled back the layers of the icon to hand paint and reconstruct it on a grand scale. They invite everyone to enter the installation, and go on a journey to reach the heart of the PH Artichoke, while experiencing it from intriguing new angles.
Approach it curiously and searchingly and experience A Heart of Light as a universe, where, if you continue, you will reach the heart in the end. Imagine walking around inside a PH Artichoke, uncovering its many layers.
Oliver Sundqvist, artist
The installation will be showcased during 3daysofdesign, the main design event of the year in Copenhagen, where Louis Poulsen welcomes everyone to join us on a journey of discovery into A Heart of Light on 12 – 14 June at 19 – 23 Kuglegårdsvej, Copenhagen C.
What will happen to A Heart of Light after the event has yet to be decided. The installation may be flat-packed and exhibited elsewhere, or it could be assembled to become the largest PH Artichoke in the world - 12 times the size of the original. Alternatively, the large leaves could be repurposed to create a unique series of A Heart of Light versions, which could then be auctioned for a charitable cause. At this point, all options are being considered to secure the best possible future for A Heart of Light and the materials used in its creation.
In celebration of Louis Poulsen’s 150th anniversary, an exclusive PH Artichoke Anniversary Edition has been released. This special edition is limited to 300 numbered pieces and is part of a distinctive anniversary collection, only available at louispoulsen.com and at selected stores in 2024. The collection features a distinguished colour palette of matte white, pale rose and metallised brass, which is in part reflected in A Heart of Light too. When you purchase the PH Artichoke Anniversary Edition, you will also receive the new book First House of Light about Louis Poulsen.
About Oliver Sundqvist og Frederik Nystrup-Larsen
The duo is highly acclaimed for their refreshing approach, operating at the crossroads of art and design. They have created multiple exhibitions worldwide, and when in-between solo projects, they appreciate the lighter and faster energy that naturally occurs whenever they collaborate. Their inspiring work is characterized by a shared design perspective, which developed during their time as students at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation in Copenhagen, where they met 10 years ago.
About Louis Poulsen
Established in 1874, the original house of light Louis Poulsen creates iconic products that provide exceptional light. Honouring the Danish design tradition, Louis Poulsen designs are based on the principle that form follows function. Working in close collaboration with prominent designers like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Vilhelm Lauritzen, Øivind Slaatto, Olafur Eliasson, Oki Sato and Anne Boysen, Louis Poulsen continues to build on their legacy of creating luxury lighting, with the help of passionate craftmanship, quality materials and innovative designs. Louis Poulsen has established itself as a leading global architectural and decorative lighting brand with showrooms in Copenhagen, Oslo, Tokyo, Singapore and Dusseldorf.
Additional information is available at www.louispoulsen.com