Bo Bardi’s buildings: Veronika Kellndorfer explores Brazilian modernism, in LA

'My research into architecture proceeds from the idea that the past and present of a society can be read in its buildings,' says artist Veronika Kellndorfer as she unveils her latest exhibition at Christopher Grimes Gallery, Los Angeles. 'Tropical Modernism: Lina Bo Bardi' features new works inspired by the late Italian-Brazilian architect, in particular her iconic SESC Pompéia building in São Paulo and her former residence, Casa de Vidro, located in the grounds of the Muller Carioba tea farm in the Morumbi region, both considered outstanding examples of modern architecture in Brazil.
'I have always been interested in modernism, beginning with my previous body of work that focused on Los Angeles modernist homes by Schindler, Lautner and the Case Study houses,' Kellndorfer explains. 'Lina Bo Bardi’s buildings have the rare capability to tell stories and incarnate the memory of a particular place. I recently spent time in Brazil where I examined the graphic qualities, the intersection of architecture and landscape, the transformations of light and the movements between inside and outside in Brazil’s architecture, a place of the continuation of modernism.'
Using a technique Kellndorfer has been developing since the 1990s, she silk-screens then burns photographs she took of details of the architectonic sites in Brazil onto large glass panels, juxtaposing them with images of plant species taken at the Botanic Garden in Rio de Janeiro. The resulting works transform the qualities of the architectural space into two dimensions, combining image and form: the hyper reflective glass and the botanical elements recalling the Casa de Vidro’s glass façade within its dense natural setting.
Beautiful to look at, the exhibition also opens up questions about the exchange between modernism and the environment. 'With this new exhibition I am tracing a line from the LA modernists to parallel modernist ideas that occurred in Brazil, but now with a different approach to landscape and nature as well as social utopian ideas.'
Pictured: Tree House, Casa de Vidro
The works explored include Bo Bardi’s iconic SESC Pompéia building in São Paulo and her former residence, Casa de Vidro, located in the grounds of the Muller Carioba tea farm in the Morumbi region.
Says Kellndorfer, ’I have always been interested in modernism, beginning with my previous body of work that focused on Los Angeles modernist homes by Schindler, Lautner and the Case Study houses’
Using a technique she has been developing since the 1990s, Kellndorfer silk-screens then burns architectonic photographs onto large glass panels, juxtaposing them with images of plant species taken at the Botanic Garden in Rio de Janeiro
The resulting works transform the qualities of the architectural space into two dimensions, combining image and form
Beautiful to look at, the exhibition also opens up questions about the exchange between modernism and the environment
INFORMATION
’Tropical Modernism’ is on view until 2 September. For more information, visit the Christopher Grimes Gallery website
Photography courtesy Christopher Grimes Gallery
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
ADDRESS
Christopher Grimes Gallery
916 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Charlotte Jansen is a journalist and the author of two books on photography, Girl on Girl (2017) and Photography Now (2021). She is commissioning editor at Elephant magazine and has written on contemporary art and culture for The Guardian, the Financial Times, ELLE, the British Journal of Photography, Frieze and Artsy. Jansen is also presenter of Dior Talks podcast series, The Female Gaze.
-
This 18th-century Puglian villa has been restored with contemporary touches
The updated stonemason's workshop is a haven of centuries-old brick and sophisticated made-in-Italy design
-
A luxury house boat? These floating sanctuaries are redefining life on the water
Forget everything you think you know about house boats – a new floating development in Dorset is architect-designed and impossibly sleek
-
The Infinite Machine Olto is an electrified two-wheeler designed for urban transportation
New York-based Infinite Machine have revealed their second electric urban vehicle, the Olto, a micro mobility solution designed to share bike lanes
-
How did the Shakers influence modern design? A new exhibition considers the progressive philosophy of the free church
‘The Shakers: A World in the Making’ positions the 18th-century sect as a pioneer of simple, functional and democratic design – principles that still guide aesthetics today
-
Basic.Space launches its first IRL shopping event – in an empty West Hollywood mall
With the launch of its first in-person event in LA this weekend, the e-commerce platform is looking to bring collectible design to a whole new audience
-
Design Miami 2024 is alive with possibility: here are 14 things to see
Design Miami 2024 opens 4-8 December – let Wallpaper* guide you to the highlights, from dazzling installations to plump sofas and anthropomorphic sculptures
-
Nendo’s collaborations with Kyoto artisans go on view in New York
‘Nendo sees Kyoto’ is on view at Friedman Benda (until 15 October 2022), showcasing the design studio's collaboration with six artisans specialised in ancient Japanese crafts
-
Italian craftsmanship comes to Los Angeles in this eclectic Venice Canals apartment
Boffi Los Angeles celebrates a juxtaposition of texture throughout a waterside bolthole
-
Design Miami/Basel 2022 explores the Golden Age
Design Miami/Basel 2022, led by curatorial director Maria Cristina Didero, offers a positive spin after the unprecedented times of the pandemic, and looks at the history and spirit of design
-
Kvadrat’s flagship New York showrooms encompass colourful design codes
Industrial designer Jonathan Olivares and architect Vincent Van Duysen have worked with Danish textile brand Kvadrat on the vast new space, also featuring furniture by Moroso
-
What to see at New York Design Week 2022
Discover Wallpaper’s highlights from New York Design Week 2022 (10 – 20 May 2022): the fairs, exhibitions and design openings to discover