Brazil is known around the world for their very popular “Carnivale” and of course, soccer. But not as recognized, is the country’s “modernist movement,” and the works of the nation’s notable architects and designers. One design gallery in Manhattan has been working to change that by profiling the furniture design of Brazil’s modernist icons Oscar Niemeyer and Jorge Zalszupin.

For more than a decade, a trendsetting warehouse in the heart of New York’s Tribeca district, has been transforming into a specialty shop, showcasing furniture by Brazil’s leading designers. Fittingly named Espasso, which means space in Portuguese, the gallery features modern and contemporary furniture. Its mission, according to owner Carlos Junquiera, is to conserve and promote Brazil’s 20^th century design heritage. “Brazil, it’s sort of like closed country in terms of exposure internationally. So, it was a way to show a little bit about…through each piece, our lifestyle, our creativity, our sense of humor.”

This year, during New York’s famous “furniture week,” Espasso has undertaken the massive task of bringing back to life key works by two of Brazil’s leading architecture and design icons, the legendary Oscar Niemeyer and the incomparable Jorge Zalszupin.

The furniture pieces at Espasso’s show titled, “Compasso” include four works by Niemeyer and twenty by Zalszupin. They are all are re-editions certified by the designers’ families and foundations. They are reissues of pieces that have rarely been seen outside of auctions, until now.

CCTV Correspondent, Liling Tan visits the furniture franchise where interior design is indeed a fine “art.”
Follow Liling Tan on Twitter @LilingTan

Latin furniture designer influence growing in New York

Brazil is known around the world for their very popular “Carnivale” and of course, soccer. But not as recognized, is the country’s “modernist movement,” and the works of the nation’s notable architects and designers.

Links:
Espasso : www.espasso.com
Jorge Zalszupin: http://www.espasso.com/designer/10/jorge-zalszupin
Oscar Niemeyer: http://www.espasso.com/designer/15/oscar-niemeyer
Compasso exhibit: http://www.compasso-espasso.com/#compasso