Synthetic Organic: Zalszupin 100 Years
The exhibition pays tribute to the birth, life, and work of designer Jorge Zalszupin, one of the great names in Brazilian architecture.
Comander armchair and Jorge Zalszupin (1970) by Jorge ZalszupinMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
2022 marks the centennial of the birth of Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect and designer who revolutionized the production of furniture and utensils in Brazil.
Construction of Brasilia, DF. (1960) by Jorge ZalszupinMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
In 1950, Brazil was experiencing a moment of great furniture expansion, especially through the construction of Brasilia. In this context, Zalszupin is invited to join Oscar Niemeyer's select group and contribute to the furniture project for the new federal capital.
Ambassador Armchair
The Ambassador armchair, a piece used to this day in the Supreme Federal Court, is from this era.
The creation of L'atelier Studio
Faced with the rapidly growing demand for his pieces, Zalszupin, together with a group of cabinetmakers, opens his studio, L'atelier. At first, he dedicated special attention to the production of small series of office furniture made in Jacaranda wood.
L'Atelier Catalog (1960) by Jorge ZalszupinMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
Chair produced by L'Atelier.
Hille Chair
In 1968, with the advent of synthetic plastic in furniture production, Zalszupin is invited to produce the iconic Hille chairs in Brazil. L'atelier begins to develop pieces in plastic, strengthening the partnership with Hévea.
Putskit Cabinet
The collaboration led to products such as waste buckets, ashtrays, and the famous "Putskit" modular external cabinet, among others.
Hevea Factory (1970/1988) by Jorge Zalszupin, Forsa Group, L'Atelier, and Hevea S.AMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
Industry expansion: Forza Group merger and the EVA Series
In 1970, L'atelier and Hévea S.A are incorporated into the Forsa group, boosting the plastics design industry. Jorge Zalszupin becomes design director, leading a qualified team of engineers and designers.
The EVA series is from this period, focused on producing household utensils for the Brazilian home. The line achieves great success, selling 15 to 20 thousand units per month, thanks to its good design and accessible price.
Portrait of Jorge Zalszupin (1980) by Jorge ZalszupinMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
In 1980, the Forsa group was deeply affected by the economic crisis. Jorge Zalszupin then began to dedicate himself exclusively to architecture, an activity he exercised until his death.
Exhibition the centenary of the birth of designer Jorge Zalszupin (2022-06-01) by Museu da Casa Brasileira, ETEL, Jorge Zalszupin, and Almeida e Dale galleryMCB - Museu da Casa Brasileira
From July 1 to September 11, 2022, the Museu da Casa Brasileira and the Casa Zalszupin held the exhibition "Synthetic Organic: Zalszupin 100 years," honoring the work of one of Brazil's most successful designers.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit: https://mcb.org.br/pt/programacao/exposicoes/mostra-organico-sintetico-zalszupin-100-anos-a-partir-de-1-de-julho/
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