In 2012 Brazil lost one of its greatest public architects and designers, Oscar Niemeyer. But with a life that spanned almost 105 years Niemeyer’s legacy and passion for curve over line, for abstraction over realism found expression in more than 600 projects and numerous design collaborations which included his vision and central role in the creation of the modern capitol of Brazil. Criticized by his peers for his monumentalism he unashamedly pursued curvature and abstraction over what he considered to be the formality and emptiness of line.
This was his way of celebrating the ocean, the landscape and space. The chaise lounge, lot 197, at Leonard Joel’s Modern Design auction on Thursday evening, one of only three ever produced, was a rare Niemeyer design that we had the privilege of exhibiting and selling at auction. Manufactured by Tendo Braziliera in the 1970s the chair sold for $10,980 and set an Australian record for the designer at auction. Anna Grassham for Modern Design commented “it’s elegant black finish, it’s curvaceous look, yet eminently functional design, placed it as one of my favourites of the auction and I’m just so thrilled that new collectors can enjoy and acquire design and, really, history of this calibre”.
If you have designer furniture, no matter how new or old, that you wish to sell contact Anna Grassham for a complimentary discussion and appraisal.
Anna Grassham
03 8825 5614
anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au