Brazilian Decorative Objects
BRAZILIAN FURNITURE
More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
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Place of Origin: Brazilian
Sculpture by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$6,100
Sculpture by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$4,450
Sculptural Vessel by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Polished Rose Quartz Flame Freeform From Brazil (7.2 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
AAA quality, hand-polished flame free-form of natural gem translucent rose quartz from Brazil. This specimen has bright rich color, all sides hand polished to a smooth mirror finish....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Other
Genuine Amethyst Cluster on Metal Stand (14" Tall, 16.8 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
AAA Quality Brazilian deep-grape Amethyst crystal cluster - handmade and formed into a free-form shape. This beautiful specimen comes with a metal stand and is perfect display piece....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Brutalist Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design.
Dimensions: W 11.5 cm D 11.5 cm H 0.8 cm.
Materials: black/brown bronze
Also available in polished bronze.
...
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$258 / item
Carved Stone Cockatoo Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Carved stone cockatoo sculpture caught in the action of landing on an amethyst geode. Featuring a lofty combination of colors and textures with an u...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Pair of Carved Wood Lions from Minas Gerais
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable pair of mid century lions in repose hand carved, in a stylized modern form, from the Cammatillo tree or Kingwood grown in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Kingwood
$5,900 / set
Agate Geode Sphere, 5.5"
Located in New York, NY
This 5.5-inch Agate Geode Sphere is a remarkable blend of natural beauty and geological intrigue. Polished to a glossy perfection, the exterior showcases ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate
$1,200
Set of Three Large Elephants in Lucite Made by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Three beautiful large Elephants. Two of them in black, white and grey, the third one is in blue black and turquoise Lucite. All signed C Pal made in Brazil.
The Brazilian artist A...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Acrylic Fish Figure by Abraham Palatnik 1960s
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Acrylic Fish Figure by Abraham Palatnik from the 60s
Acrylic figure by the Brazilian designer Abraham Palatnik, in this piece we can see the representatio...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic
Rose Quartz Flame Stone From Brazil (4.6 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
AAA quality, hand-polished flame free-form of natural gem translucent rose quartz from Brazil. All sides hand polished to a smooth mirror finish.
Rose Quartz is the stone of uncondi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Rose Quartz
Tan Stone Horse Sculpture on a Clear Acrylic Base, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tan stone horse sculpture on clear acrylic base, 1980s.
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
Rock Crystal Candleholder Lavender Stone
Located in Dallas, TX
Rock crystal candleholder lavender stone, beautiful designed, unique piece.
Category
20th Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
$10,010 Sale Price
35% Off
“Achego” Decorative Felted Wool "Necklace" by Inês Schertel, Brazil, 2019
By Inês Schertel
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary “Achego” Decorative Felted Wool "Necklace" in natural colors by Inês Schertel, Brazil 2019
Ines Schertel's primary material is sheep's wool. As a practitioner of slow...
Category
2010s Rustic Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wool
Contemporary Wall Mounted Sculpture from 'Delta' Series by James Rowland
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
A piece from the 'Delta' abstract sculpture series by James Rowland made from Brazilian hard wood with brass inlay.
Scottish Artist and furniture Designer-Maker James Rowland of K...
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Brazilian Modernist Brass Rhino by Alvaro Franklin da Silveira
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brass rhino sculpture designed in the 1970s by renowned Brazilian sculptor, Alvaro Franklin (Urandi, Bahia, 1935-2020).
Having learned forging and foundry ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
“Laço”, 2020, Naturally Dyed Felted Wool Vase by Inês Schertel, Brazil
By Inês Schertel
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
The contemporary textile designer Inês Schertel manufactures versatile items using a six thousand year old technique. Each piece is unique in color and form and are not woven as text...
Category
2010s Rustic Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wool
$3,360 Sale Price
46% Off
Sterling & Quartz Duck by Grupo Gal
By Grupo Gal
Located in Greer, SC
This is a wonderful modern Sterling Silver and Quartz Duck by Grupo Gal.
Numbered 940619
In excellent used condition.
See photos for better details.
H 10...
Category
1970s Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Sterling Silver
João De Barro Nest Wall Separating + Sculpture by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
João de Barro nest wall separating by Mameluca
Material: clay, carboard, others
Dimensions: D 300x H 250 cm
Scientific Name - Rufous Hornero (Gmelin, 1788)
The couple builds t...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Paper
Late 20th Century Carved Varnished Wood Decorative Feminine Sculpture, Brazil
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 20th century varnished wood decorative feminine sculpture with carved abdominal void, Brazil
By: unknown
Material: wood
Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted, varnished
...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Medium With Spout
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Medium “Anfora” vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Additional...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Large and sexy Humberto Cozzo Art Nouveau bronze circa 1900
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible, beautiful and large bronze by Humberto Cozzo Art Nouveau with black patina and marble representing a woman naked circa 1900. Fantastic and very sexy.
Category
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Domingos Tótora "Escultura Âmago Mod.06", Brazil 21st Century
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This organic sculpture by contemporary artist Domingos Tótora is a visual expression of the artist’s view of design. Tótora creates objects and sculptures where beauty is inseparable...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Set of 3 Midcentury Lucite Fish Designed by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This gracefully white adult mother fish guards her two black young ones with her life.
The white fish measurements are 8,5 cm in height, 27,5 cm in length and 3 cm in depth. The bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Cristais di Murano 24K Gold Infused Translucent Glass Vase with Applications
Located in Miami, FL
Cristais di Murano 24K Gold Infused Translucent Glass Vase w/Glass Applications
Offered for sale is a Cristais di Murano 24K gold infused translucent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold
Vaso Crosta 01 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 01 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Dimensions: W 21 x D 21 x H 95 cm
Materials: Recycled cardboard.
Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$2,069 / item
20th Century Astronaut Bronze Sculpture by Italian-Brazilian Artist D. Calabrone
By Domenico Calabrone
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century astronaut bronze sculpture by italian-brazilian artist Doménico Calabrone
By: Doménico Calabrone
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: cast, hammered, hand-cra...
Category
1960s Space Age Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Metal
Rock Crystal Carving Decoration, with Custom Stand
Located in Cypress, CA
Impressive monumental carved rock crystal Quartz sculpture with custom stand
monumental sculpture of leaf-form, carved from a single large boulder of rock crystal quartz, with sufficient transparency to transmit light. Beautifully displayed on a custom hand forged wrought iron black patinated stand.
Overall H. 68"
Rock crystal boulder...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal, Wrought Iron
Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm.
Materials: polished bronze.
Also available in black/brown bronze.
FAKASAKA is...
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$882 / item
Pampulha Collection, Off White Concrete Vase Set
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
TAG COLLECTION
"My time has become scarce to debate labels. I want the essence. My soul is in a hurry. "
Rubem Alves
For many, too much simplicity lacks subtitles. Why is it so c...
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete, Aluminum
$3,400 / set
Lucite Panda Designed by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Charming panda made by Abraham Palatnik.
The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (1928) was the founder of the technological movement in Brazilian art, and a pioneer in making kinet...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Marble Ginga Vase by Gustavo Dias
By Gustavo Dias
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble Ginga vase by Gustavo Dias
Wood: Different woods are available
Designer: Gustavo Dias
Dimensions:
Tall: 34 x 9 x 9 cm
Short: 27 x 9 x 9 cm
Available in wood and marble
...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$582 / item
Set of 3 Nest Wall Separatings + Sculptures by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 nest wall separatings + sculptures by Mameluca
Material: Vime Branches, pallets, paper, fishing net, coconut fiber, clay & carboard others
Dimensions: D 300x H 250 cm
"...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Medium
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Medium “Anfora” vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer,...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Candle Holder, Large Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Candle holder, large quartz points by Aver
Dimensions: D 18 x H 40 cm
Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Steel
$2,328 / item
"Carbono" Vases by Domingos Tótora, Brazil, 2019
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
These diverse organic shell vases by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora are prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Add...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
$3,950 / set
Airin Canedo sculture in wood, glass, reptiles and eggs circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in wood, glass, lizard and eggshell by AIRIN CANEDO circa 1990
Category
1990s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Eggshell, Lizard, Wood, Glass
Centerpiece Bowl in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Centerpiece bowl in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Dimensions: W 36 x D 30 x H 7 cm
Materials: Polished bronze.
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Ostriches in Lucite Made by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Pair of ostriches designed and made by Abraham Palatnik. Nice condition but one of them has some scratches when looked upon closely.
The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (1928) w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Large Double Pointed Clear Quartz Flame on Golden Stand
Located in Malibu, CA
Large Clear Quartz Crystal Flame Sculpture, Natural Clear Quartz Generator. With gorgeous aesthetics and expert carving, this is an exquisite quartz flame sculpture. Its unique shape...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Abraham Palatnik Set of Two Horse's Heads
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Two horse's head by Abraham Palatnik.
One is 10 cm high, 8.5 cm wide and 2 cm deep.
The other is 7 cm x 6.5 cm x 2 cm.
The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (1928) was the found...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Two Adorable Elephant Calves Made Out of Lucite by Abraham Palatnik Brazil
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
These two young elephants have there own colored covers; one in red the other in green. They seem to search for there parents.
Both youngsters are signed with "Pal".
The Brazili...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Bowl in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this midcentury Brazilian modern rosewood decorative Bowl was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and made in Brazil circa 1960. Handcrafted from hard Rosewood (also known as jacaranda), the bowl features clean lines with elegant curves. The rosewood has two tones with stunning natural wood grain. The manufacturing seal is at the bottom of the bowl.
Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied at the Architecture and Fine arts Schools at the National University. After immigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956, he founded his first company, Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, in 1961. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels, homes, and stores throughout Brazil. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Brazilian Modern Bronze Sculpture by Penithencia, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Sculpted by Brazilian plastics artist Penithencia, this unique brutalist abstract bronze sculpture sits a top a bronze painted wood base. Signed and numbered 2/9 on bronze and maint...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Vaso Crosta 03 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 03 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Dimensions: W 14 x D 23 x H 78 cm
Materials: Recycled cardboard.
Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$2,069 / item
Vaso Crosta 05 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 05 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 82 cm
Materials: Recycled cardboard.
Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$2,069 / item
Two Identical Cute Lucite Teddy Bears by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
These cuddly bears sitting side by side are made of Lucite. They are a work of the Brazilian designer Abraham Palatnik.
Signed "PAL"
The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (192...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Adorable Panda Twins Made of Lucite by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Two Young Panda Bears made by Abraham Palatnik (1928).
They are both signed with: "Pal", one has the original sticker with "made in Brazil"
They each measure 6 cm in height, 9.5 cm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Sculptural Vessel by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
São Paulo Brazilian Marble Sculpture (small)
By Estúdio Mais Alma, Gabriela Campos
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Mais Alma Marble Collection is a set of sculptures, the result of our study of forms and the art works we pay homage to in our studio. The São Paulo (small) sculpture is the result o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$2,760 / item
Pair of Brazilian Carved Rock Crystal Compote Centerpiece with Swivel Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
These important hand carved rock crystal bowls on stand were crafted in Brazil. Built in two pieces, the compote stands on a square base decorated with a brass band mount to the base, over a circular swivel bowl is round in shape. The large pair of bowls...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal, Brass
$4,640 Sale Price
20% Off
Vaso Crosta 02 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 02 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Dimensions: W 21 x D 23 x H 90 cm
Materials: Recycled cardboard.
Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Category
2010s Post-Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$2,069 / item
Les Demoiselles Brazilian Marble Sculpture (small)
By Estúdio Mais Alma, Gabriela Campos
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Mais Alma Marble Collection is a set of sculptures, the result of our study of forms and the art works we pay homage to in our studio. Les Demoiselles sculpture (small) is the result...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
$2,760 / item
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Geese in Lucite Made by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Pair of geese designed and made by Abraham Palatnik.
The Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik (1928 - 2020) was the founder of the technological movemen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Contemporary Hand Carved Rock Crystal Clear Quartz Leaf Tray
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful hand carved leaf tray in natural, clear rock crystal quartz. Finely carved from a super clear quality of rock crystal and polished to a brilliant high gloss finish. A stu...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Contemporary Hand Carved Rock Crystal Clear Quartz Leaf Tray
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful hand carved leaf tray in natural, clear rock crystal quartz. Finely carved from a super clear quality of rock crystal and polished to a brilliant high gloss finish. A stu...
Category
2010s Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Wauja/ Turuza. Monkey Sculpture, 2021, Brazilian exotic wood
Located in PARIS, FR
La sculpture intitulée "Wauja/Turuza. Singe, 2021" est une œuvre d'art réalisée par l'artiste indigène Turuza, appartenant à l'ethnie Wauja du Haut-Xingu, au Brésil. Fabriquée à part...
Category
2010s Folk Art Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Charlie Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlie bowl by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 22 cm D 22 cm H 4 cm.
Materials: polished bronze.
CHARLIE BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE HOLDER / CARD HOLDER
FAKASAKA i...
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$1,270 / item
Abraham Palatnik, Elephant, Kinetic Sculpture in Acrylic Resin, Brazil, C. 1960
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in PARIS, FR
Abraham Palatnik (1928-2020)
Sculpture "Elephant", c. 1960
Vintage label (made in Brazil).
Polyester resin and pigment in black.
Kinetic art - Beautiful and rare polyester resin sculpture from the HOME AND FARM collection representing an elephant signed in the base.
This sculpture is part of the series of animal sculptures that Abraham Palatnik made from the 1960s, in small format, they are small jewels of kinetic art, a movement of which he was one of the pioneers.
"Born in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in 1928 to a family of Russian Jews, Palatnik moved with his family to Tel Aviv (then Palestine) when he was four years old. He attended Montefiori Technical School, where he specialized in internal combustion engines, and studied art under the tutelage of the painter Haaron Avni and the sculptor Sternshus at the Municipal Institute of Art. When he returned to Brazil in 1948, his output consisted mainly of figurative and landscape paintings and charcoal drawings. However, his encounters with the complex works made by schizophrenic patients at the Pedro II Psychiatric Hospital, where he taught painting workshops alongside Almir Mavignier and Ivan Serpa, caused him to abandon his early approach to traditional image-making: “I decided to start all over from scratch,” Palatnik said. “The discipline from the school, the studio, was no longer of any use.”
Freed from the perceived restrictions of his training, Palatnik became closely associated with Grupo Frente, a movement started by Serpa and rooted in geometric abstraction. He used his knowledge of engineering and mechanics as well as his interest in natural forces to build his first Kinechromatic work. Titled Azul e roxo em seu primeiro movimento (Blue and Purple in First Movement), 1949, the piece debuted at the inaugural São Paulo Bienal in 1951. “In reality, it was luck that got me into the biennial,” Palatnik said in a 1986 interview. “At first, my machine was rejected, because it wasn’t a painting, a sculpture, a drawing, or a print.” The piece, which eventually gained entry, shocked the biennial’s grand prize jury, who gave Palatnik an honorable mention, calling his work an “important manifestation of modern art.” By 1969, he had participated in seven more editions of the international exhibition.
Palatnik would also present work in the 1964 Venice Biennale, the 1966 Biennial of Córdoba, and the 1997 and 2005 editions of the Mercosul Biennial. His art was featured in significant exhibitions on kinetic art, including “Mouvement 2” (1964) at Denise René gallery in Paris; “Lumière, Mouvement et Optique” (1965) at the Brussels Palace of Fine Arts; “Kinetic Art” (1966) at the Museum of San Francisco; and, more recently, “Delirious: Art at the Limits of Reason, 1950–1980” (2017) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and “The Other Trans-Atlantic: Kinetic & Op Art in Central & Eastern Europe and Latin America 1950s–1970s” (2018) at Sesc Pinheiros in São Paulo. A major retrospective, “Abraham Palatnik—The Reinvention of Painting,” was staged at several venues across Brazil, including the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro (2017); the Fundação Iberê...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kinetic Brazilian Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic, Paint
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