Espasso Creates Exhibit to Relaunch Zalszupin and Niemeyer Furniture

New York-based design gallery and shop Espasso celebrates the works of Oscar Niemeyer and Jorge Zalszupin with an exhibit called “Compasso.” The exhibit, produced by Etel Interiors will relaunch the re-issued furniture pieces designed by Brazilian modernists Niemeyer and Zalzsupin and will make these pieces available in the United States.

Carlos Junquiera, Espasso’s owner and exhibit curator said, “Oscar Niemeyer and Jorge Zalszupin are icons whose influence on architecture and design is unprecedented and far-reaching.” He added, “We are honoured to be premiering these re-editions in America because each item tells a story of their innovative design, in addition to Oscar and Jorge’s rich legacy.”

Niemeyer’s line which will be included in the exhibit would be the Rio rocking chaise, the Marquesa bench, the Alta armchair and the Atla ottoman. All of these pieces were originally designed by the architect in the 70s along with his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer. All of the reissues will stay true in terms of design and materiality and will bear the embossed coin from the Fundação Oscar Niemeyer to indicate their authenticity.

Zalszupin’s line will include 20 furniture pieces all designed in the 60s. The exhibit will feature the Brasiliana armchair, the Circa bench, the Petals side table and the PO 801 armchair, among others. The pieces were originally made using Brazilian rosewood and Jaracanda wood. As these materials both have endangered status, the reissued pieces will be available using alternative woods.

In the 1950s, Zalszupin worked with Niemeyer as he designed furniture pieces for several of the Brazilian architect’s buildings.

Aside from exhibiting furniture collections from both designers, they will also showcase Jorge Zalszupin:Design Moderno, a monograph designed by Prof. Maria Cecilia Loschavo dos Santos, which explores Zalszupin’s influence in the design world.

The exhibit opened during New York Design Week and will run until June 3 at 38 North Moore Street, NY.