-
Campana brothers exhibit in SA -
Campana brothers exhibit in SA
Brazilian brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana recently exhibited a curated selection of their revolutionary designs at the Goodman Gallery Projects Space at Arts on Main in Johannesburg. VISI takes a closer look at the Campanas’ first exhibition in SA.
At first glance, it looks suspiciously like nothing more than a soft toy pile-on. Only on closer inspection does it become clear that the clump of plush animals in the middle of the Goodman Gallery’s Project Space is actually a chair. To be precise, The Banquette Chair by the inimitable Campana brothers.
To the uninitiated, these designs might seem merely frivolous and fun, but the chairs actually embody the Brazilian concept of gambiarra. Roughly translated as “makeshift”, this concept relates to improvisation with found or regular objects – a quick-fix solution with whatever materials happen to be at hand – and is associated with a somewhat counter-cultural, or even rebellious, attitude and a refusal to buy into consumer culture. Gambiarra is similar to the idea of “make-do design”, often materialising in delightfully ingenious solutions, such as these peculiar handmade chairs.
The Campanas’ choice of materials has often been driven by a lack of resources, especially early in their careers. “At first, we decided to work with cheap materials since we lacked the money for more expensive ones. Today, this is a conscious choice due to our concern for the environment,” they say.
Fernando and Humberto view their work as a product of shortage and are constantly researching “trivial” disposable objects and materials like rope, offcuts of wood and plastic in order to rescue their nobility.
They also believe that translating Brazilian identity into design is one of their most important challenges and their work often reinterprets those things they have witnessed in the poor communities of their country. In one of their latest projects, the Campanas have infused one of our very own local materials with their Brazilian flair.
The brothers collaborated with ostrich-leather producers, Klein Karoo, to create a range of objects and furniture that was launched at the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair (Salone del Mobile). We can’t wait to see their next inspirational endeavour.
