LOS ANGELES, CA.- Sean Kelly, Los Angeles is presenting the first exhibition in the third-floor project space. Zalszupin 100, presented in collaboration with Ulysses de Santi, celebrates the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of legendary Brazilian modernist, Jorge Zalszupin. While working as an architect, Zalszupin designed several important buildings and iconic homes in São Paulo, however, it was through his practice and contributions to Modern Design that he became so widely known and venerated. Zalszupin is recognized for creating sophisticated furniture of exceptional quality, incorporating tropical woods and an originality that spanned generations, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest designers of the 20th century.
Zalszupin 100, an exhibition two-years in the making, brings together a selection of rare and unique pieces sourced exclusively in Brazil. Featuring works from the late 1950s to early 70s, these historical objects were custom-made for official buildings and offices in Brasília, and private residencies. The Ina armchair, featured in the exhibition, belonged to, and was named after Zalszupin’s sister. Characterized by its orthogonal lines, voluminous upholstery, and sophisticated details it was photographed for the first publication on his work, Jorge Zalszupin Modern Design in Brazil. Also featured in the exhibition is his JZ Tea Trolley, a bar-cart inspired by the baby trolleys from his hometown in Poland. Elegant and inventive, Zalzupin's artisanal creations range from delicate wooden objects with exquisite brass accents to plastic accessories. He has created a legacy that embodies the epitome of Brazilian modernism, serving as an inspiration to many designers, gallerists, and artisans.
Born in Warsaw, Poland, Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) studied architecture in Bucharest and began his career as an architect during the reconstruction of Dunkirk, France after WWII. In 1949, he immigrated to Brazil and launched his architecture firm Escritório Téchnico Prumo in São Paulo, through which he collaborated with Oscar Niemeyer designing furniture for the expansive new capital city of Brasília, the most significant commission in the nation's history. Shortly thereafter he founded L'Atelier, a design studio, manufacturer, and retailer of high-quality modern furniture. In 1962, the first store was inaugurated in the iconic Conjunto Nacional building, on Avenida Paulista. There were ultimately ten showrooms in Brazil, making L'Atelier one of the most important studios of the 1960s, alongside Oca, Mobilia Contemporanea, Mobilinea and Lafer.
