Disco symbolism: Studio Job reveals 'Futopia' show at Buenos Aires' Faena Art Center

Dutch design duo Studio Job are set to bring a carnival atmosphere to the Faena Art Center in Buenos Aires this summer, when they open a new immersive exhibition, full of music, colour and light.
Called 'Futopia: Faena by Studio Job', the exhibition marks four years of collaboration between the Faena Group, headed by Argentine hotelier and real estate developer Alan Faena, and the Antwerp- and Amsterdam-based studio, whose work will be displayed across FAC's monumental Sala Molinos exhibition space. Never-before-seen process drawings, renderings, sculptural models and iconography will be on show alongside site-specific interventions such as a series of stained glass panels – a hallmark of the studio's oeuvre – that will adorn the space's triple-height, cathedral-style windows. Using the studio's distinctive symbolism, the stained glass designs will chronicle the evolution of Faena while bathing the entire space in multicoloured light.
Perpetuating a tradition started just last year, the space will also play host to a site-specific roller disco installation (last year saw artist collective Assume Vivid Astro Focus create a similar neo-disco rink), where skaters can dance in the kaleidoscopic reflections to a soundtrack provided by DJ, singer and producer Henri, known for her original productions and work with psychedelic krautrock band Thrillionaire.
In recent years, Studio Job has been hard at work creating custom symbology to appear on pavements, fences, wallpapers, sculptures, printed material and banners throughout Faena's ambitious new district in Miami Beach, which, after years of construction, is set to open in November. Bringing a flavour of the development to Buenos Aires, the exhibition showcases models of two polished bronze, gilded and hand-painted sculptures completed by the artists for permanent exhibition in the new Floridian district.
'Working with Faena is not working,' says the Dutch duo of the ongoing partnership. 'Playing with Faena is intellectual fun and the upcoming, multi-faceted exhibition at Faena Art Center showcases how our longstanding collaboration with [them] has been an incredible series of inspiring experimentations.'
Called 'Futopia: Faena by Studio Job', the exhibition marks four years of collaboration between the Faena Group and will showcase some of the artists' custom work for Faena's Florida project. Courtesy of Studio Job
Studio Job have created custom symbology for the new district, that will appear on pavements, fences, wallpapers, sculptures, printed material and banners. Pictured: Faena flag in the Faena District Miami Beach, 2013.
Never-before-seen process drawings, renderings, sculptural models and iconography will be on show at the Faena Art Center. Pictured: Tree of Life, 2012 – 2015.
Site-specific interventions will include a series of stained glass panels that will adorn the monumental Sala Molinos space's triple-height, cathedral-style windows. Pictured: Faena coat of arms.
Perpetuating a tradition started just last year, the space will also play host to a site-specific roller disco installation, where skaters can dance in the kaleidoscopic reflections. Pictured: Urban Alchemy, 2014. Courtesy of Studio Job and Faena
DJ, singer and producer Henri, known for her original productions and work with psychedelic krautrock band Thrillionaire, will provide the soundtrack.
Bringing a flavour of the development to Buenos Aires, the exhibition showcases models of polished bronze, gilded and hand-painted sculptures, completed by the artists for permanent exhibition in the new Floridian district. Pictured: Faena fountain, 2012 – 2014.
'Working with Faena is not working,' says the Dutch duo of the ongoing partnership. 'Playing with Faena is intellectual fun... our longstanding collaboration with [them] has been an incredible series of inspiring experimentations.'
Pictured: Faena fountain in Faena District Miami Beach, 2014. Courtesy of Studio Job and Faena
ADDRESS
Faena Art Center
Aimé Painé
1169, C1107CFA
Buenos Aires
Argentina
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Ali Morris is a UK-based editor, writer and creative consultant specialising in design, interiors and architecture. In her 16 years as a design writer, Ali has travelled the world, crafting articles about creative projects, products, places and people for titles such as Dezeen, Wallpaper* and Kinfolk.
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