Hanna Anonen (b. 1987) is a versatile designer whose portfolio covers a wide range from spatial and graphic design to interior decoration products, such as furniture and smaller items. The pieces, which are often made from painted wood, are characterised by bright colours, unexpected ideas and playfulness.

Hanna Anonen’s bold and unique style and her expert skills have gained her assignments from many Finnish brands. Her pieces are reinventing the image of Finnish modern design and have received international attention. Thanks to her strong identity as a designer, Hanna Anonen is paving the way for other young designers.

The prize sum is €5,000 and in 2018–2022 it also includes participation in IF Studios, the artist-in-residence program of the Finnish Institute in France in Paris. The IF Studios residence program supports the internationalization of Finnish artists, curators and other creative professionals in France.

The prize jury of 2021 consisted of CEO Petteri Kolinen / Design Forum Finland, Senior Lecturer Merja Kosonen / Metropolia AMK, Design Director Antti Olin / Isku Oy and Director Johanna Råman / Institut finlandais.

Young Designer of the Year 2021 prize exhibition is a part of Design Forum Finland Awards exhibition at Galleria A2, Helsinki, 3–24 June 2021

Photo: Elina Simonen