We could never pass up a trip to Brazil, especially if it's by way of Miami during the Floridian city's annual design and art extravagana. Like so many in the creative community, the New York-based Brazilian furniture gallery Espasso has decamped to tropical climes for the week and it has not come empty-handed.
Espasso is presenting 'Em Trânsito', an exhibition honouring the innovative vibrancy of contemporary Brazilian design. Installed in the all-white, three storey penthouse suite of the iconic Shore Club Hotel in South Beach, the richness of the furniture pieces on display could not be more palpable.
Running for one month, 'Em Trânsito' brings together new mid-century reissues, special limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces that represent Brazil's cultural mix of European, African and indigenous influences. From Oscar Niemeyer's 'On Desk', which dates from the 1990s and is now being produced for the first time, to Claudia Moreira Salles' 'Concreto Bench', a stylish union of American walnut and concrete that makes its US debut in Miami, treasures lurk around every corner.
One especially poignant highlight is Sérgio Rodrigues' 'Benjamin Chair', the last work created by the legendary designer before his death earlier this year. Named after his grandson, the distinctive Freijó wood armchair is a poetic example of Rodrigues' other famous works. It is being produced in a numbered, limited edition run of 60.
Curated by Espasso's founder Carlos Junqueira, the exhibition also features work from other illustrious designers, including Etel Carmona, Carlos Motta, Zanini de Zanine and Isay Weinfeld. It won't be the only time Weinfeld is involved with the Shore Club either. The architect/designer has signed up to redesign the iconic South Beach hotel. The three-acre beachfront property will be transformed to include a hotel and luxury condominium for HFZ Capital Group. That's one more reason for us to flock back to Miami next year.
The show brings together new mid-century reissues, special limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces that represent Brazil's cultural mix of European, indigenous and African influences.
Curated by Espasso's founder Carlos Junqueira, the exhibition unveils never-seen-before works by the leading names such as Sérgio Rodrigues, Oscar Niemeyer and Claudia Moreira Salles. Pictured in foreground is 'Pindá Chair', by Carlos Motta, 2014.
Claudia Moreira Salles' 'Concreto Bench', 2014, is a stylish union of American walnut and concrete that makes its US debut in Miami.
Oscar Niemeyer's 'Modulo' coffee table is one of several pieces by the designer that are on display
Shown on the left is Sérgio Rodrigues' 'Benjamin Chair', the last work that the legendary designer created before his death earlier this year. On the right is his 'Moleca' chair designed in 1963.
Launched for the first time in the US, Etel Carmona's 'Suchus' stool is made from American walnut wood and alligator skin sustainably harvested from a cooperative in the Amazon
'Em Trânsito' is installed for one month only in the all-white, three storey penthouse suite of the iconic Shore Club Hotel in South Beach.
Coincidently, Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, whose Farmachina cabinet is included in the exhibition (shown here on the top right), has signed up to redesign the iconic South Beach Hotel.
The three-acre beachfront property will be transformed to include a hotel and luxury condominium for HFZ Capital Group.
ADDRESS
Shore Club Hotel
1901 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
-
Hanker after a 1970s supercar? The Encor Series 1 elevates the Lotus Esprit to a new levelThis limited-edition remastering of the dramatic wedge-shaped Lotus Esprit stops at nothing to improve and enhance the original without losing sight of its analogue excellence
-
A new photo book takes you behind the scenes of some of cinema's most beloved films, from 'Fargo' to 'Charlie's Angels'Set decorator Lauri Gaffin captures Hollywood's quieter moments in an arresting new book
-
This sculptural London seafood restaurant was shaped by ‘the emotions of the sea’In Hanover Square, Mazarine pairs a bold, pearlescent interior with modern coastal cuisine led by ‘bistronomy’ pioneer chef Thierry Laborde
-
Modernist and contemporary Brazilian furniture face off in this LA exhibition‘Lightness & Tension’ (5-19 September 2025) features the work of Joaquim Tenreiro and Lucas Simões, as curator and dealer Ulysses de Santi explores the trajectory of Brazilian furniture design
-
Aberto’s first international show celebrates Brazilian design in Paris at a modernist gemBrazilian exhibition platform Aberto takes over modernist properties for art and design showcases. As it brings its concept to Europe, Wallpaper* is at Maison La Roche to explore South American icons
-
Campana Brothers look back on 35 years of revolutionary designOn view at modernist Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, ‘Campana Brothers – 35 Revolutions’ is a retrospective of the Brazilian designers’ impactful oeuvre
-
Etel celebrates its contemporary female forcesBrazilian brand Etel puts its female contemporary designers at the forefront for its newest venture, Women and Design, kicking off with a debut collection by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola
-
Retracing the modernist steps of Lina Bo Bardi and Studio d’Arte Palma -
The rustic allure of Brazil modern design gets a new French audience -
Prada moves to a modernist Brazilian beat at its new Miami boutique -
Etel sets its Brazilian roots down in a new organic Milan flagship
