THE CAMPANA BROTHERS TRANSPLASTIC
5 June – 17 August 2007 to be shown for the first time at ALBION, London. The TransPlastic series related a fictional story: in a world made of plastic and synthetic matter, a fertile ground was placed for transgenic creations. Natural fibres restored the plastic as in an immunological response. The nature was kept from the plastic and overcame it.
Regular chairs, multiple-seating chairs, lamps, illuminated meteors, clouds and islands were developed by taking advantage of the elasticity of natural fibre. Taking as a starting point plastic chairs, water containers and rudimentary wood stools, natural fibre extensions were increased. The original form was altered. The pieces subsequently got on a geographic dimension through organic shapes. Value and comfort to the original base material were added.
All the pieces were handcrafted with a very typical Brazilian fibre, Apuí. The extraction of this fibre supported preserve. It managed the biodiversity of the forests as the trees were suffocated and killed by Apui from which they grew. These fibres were released manually, without any tools or processes that might endanger the trees.
The fibre was an analogy for this series of work. The wicker started to grow from the plastic, suffocating and drawing nourishment from it. The original theses of the fictional story Fernando and Humberto were reinforced.
In the past, all the Brazilian terraces and semi-outdoor cafes were provided with wicker pieces. Over time, these were gradually replaced for the more practical and long-lasting plastic ones. The Campana Brothers had picked to play with this idea. It carried back the old tradition of wicker furniture in a hybrid, playful manner.
A new furniture collection at Albion Gallery would be presented by Brazilian designers the Campana Brothers in London next month. It was called TransPlastic. The furniture design comprised plastic chairs and lights set within woven natural fibre. The fibre used, Apuí, suffocated the trees in Brazilian forests. The unique design established an analogy with this, as the woven fibre seemed to be smothering the plastic furniture beneath. The exhibition held from 5 June to 17 August. Photos were copyright Fernando Laszlo.
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