Carlos Motta has long been an icon in the modern furniture world. The Brazilian designer, known for his innovative designs and championing of sustainability (before it was cool), has garnered exhibits at Brazil’s Museum of Modern Art, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum and the Museu da Casa Brasileira. But Atelier Carlos Motta: 40 Years, a new show at the New York City gallery ESPASSO marks the first time there’s been a true retrospective of Motta’s work in the U.S. in his 40-year-long career.
To mark the special occasion, Motta designed 11 limited edition pieces specifically for the event — word of warning to would-be collectors: one of the styles sold out before the exhibited opened, so act quickly! — and created exclusive, hand-painted murals for ESPASSO that will hang alongside the 50 works displayed in the show.
We recently had a chance to talk to Carlos Junqueira, owner of ESPASSO, about Motta’s new designs, his inspiration, and his hand in curating the exhibit, which opened last month and runs through October 12. Here’s what Junqueira had to say.
Motta’s 2014 Tinga armchair is made of reclaimed Peroba Rosa wood and iron.
The show at ESPASSO is the first US retrospective of Carlos Motta’s designs. How did this exhibit come about?
What started as a fond appreciation of his work many years ago, grew into a great friendship. Since then ESPASSO has presented Carlos’ pieces many times over the years, to much acclaim. We both felt that his 40th [working] anniversary was the perfect opportunity to commemorate his work and mount an exhibition that showcased the full breadth of his career.
Motta actually came up to New York to redesign the gallery for the show. Why was this so important?
One of the principles very dear to Carlos’ heart is that he’s heavily involved with every aspect of his work, every step along the way — from designing, to manufacturing, even to sourcing the materials. Atelier Carlos Motta: 40 Years is a true retrospective of his work, so it was absolutely critical he collaborated with ESPASSO to curate the exhibit.
Motta dedicated his new Sergio chair to a late friend, Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues
What sorts of input did he have on the exhibit?
Motta personally customized the placement of his work and created stunning and beautiful murals that ran alongside the pieces. The murals are completely original and featured hand drawings, pictures from his life over the years along, detailed notes written across the walls and a selection of photographs of his pieces. The murals told the story of the real Carlos as only he could tell it.
Motta, at work creating murals for the exhibit.
As a designer, Motta says he’s most inspired by his lifestyle — a love of yoga, nature, and sustainability. How does that translate into his design?
Every single piece Carlos has made speaks to him personally. He starts by taking inspiration from his everyday life and interests and uses it to help shape the design of the furniture he makes. It is a truly impressive process and the results are always stunning, beautiful and unique.
Motta’s Nave Floor Lamp, designed exclusively for the retrospective, sold out before the show even opened.
Motta created 11 pieces exclusively for the show. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the new works?
All of the 11 pieces we are premiering with this exhibition are beautiful and will definitely be collectors’ items. One of the standout pieces from Motta’s new works would be the Pinda chair. It has a spiked back and ergonomic design that’s quickly making the piece one of his latest iconic works. Additionally, the Nave, Motta’s combination lamp and side table was an arduous and well-designed work, which is the most complex piece in the exhibit. Nave is an original piece that was only made once and it sold out before the exhibition even opened. The Sergio swivel chair is a loving tribute to Motta’s close friend, the late Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues; it transforms reclaimed Peroba Rosa wood and sanded iron into a beautiful rotating armchair. Also, the Ferrão dining table. It’s constructed from reclaimed Peroba Rosa and Aroeira woods, which both are typically used in the civic construction, and evokes medieval design.
What about the pre-existing pieces? Are there any that are particularly iconic or have an interesting story behind them?
The exhibit will also highlight some of Motta’s notable pre-existing pieces, including his award-winning chairs Cadeira Rio and Cadeira Estrela, Sabre armchairs, which have been exhibited in France’s Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne and The London Design Festival. Also on display are Motta’s popular Astúrias chair, which is known for its rustic design — it was shown at the Saint-Etienne International Design Biennial, and won the Planeta Casa prize in 2003 for its sustainable [design ethos].
Motta’s Guará armchair
Motta has been designing furniture for more that 40 years. How far back do the pieces in the exhibit go?
The pieces in the exhibition cover the entire trajectory of Motta’s career, from the first works he created more than 40 years ago to the present day.
Is everything in the exhibit for sale?
All of the Carlos Motta pieces in the exhibition are for sale exclusively through ESPASSO.
For more information on the exhibit and to see the entire collection, visit the ESPASSO website.
