Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 43
Occupation: Designer.
Instagram: @zaninidezanine
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro.
Studio location: Rio de Janeiro.
Describe what you make: I’m working on a range of unique furniture pieces made from materials native to Brazil, such as Ipê and Maçaranduba wood. These works range from chairs and stools to benches both organic and geometric in form. It’s important to me that I use salvaged and sustainably sourced wood and materials. I’m also creating sculptural objects and wall works made from fibers of the Tucum palm. Additionally, I’m constructing interior spaces where I reference design and architectural history, while, of course, including my own design perspective.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: With the support of Katz Construtora, I established the Museum of Brazilian Chairs in Belmonte, Bahia. The museum is a public collection that presents the history of Brazilian modern and contemporary design. Since the museum’s opening, in 2018, we have welcomed a range of visitors, including collectors, enthusiasts, and students—it’s great to see so many people visiting and taking interest in design.
Describe the problem your work solves: Functionality with aesthetics. I always want to make sure I’m making work that’s beautiful, timeless, and functionally experiential.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m currently working on large-scale interior design projects that I’m really excited about.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’re working to publish a monograph highlighting my work and practice over the past 20 years (2002-2022). The publication will feature various interior projects, furniture, objects, installations, sculptures, and even coating products and jewelry. It will be published sometime in 2023, in both Portuguese and English. A selection of my new and recent works is also currently on view at R & Company in New York through April 22.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Natural light, art, and music—always.
What you do when you’re not working: Sports. I surf and practice Jiu-Jitsu.
Sources of creative envy: José Zanine Caldas, Lúcio Costa, Campana Brothers, and Sérgio Bernardes.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Fake news.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
