Reimagining old discarded items into innovative functional design is the hallmark of the Campana Brothers’ success. Their unique eye in combining old and new, traditional crafts with modern technology makes their design intriguing.
(Image source: www.carpentersworkshopgallery.com)
Fernando and Humberto Campana were born and raised in Brotas, Brazil. Growing up amidst the harsh realities of military dictatorships and restriction on artistic expression, their conditions weren’t ideal for fostering a passion in art. But Fernando and Humberto found themselves inspired by a wealth of cultural stimulation–both in the traditional crafts found in their rural hometown and by their parents’ commitment to exposing them to the world outside. This meant frequent trips to the cinema, home-viewings of popular films and endless reading on their favorite subjects.
The unconventional path to success
The brothers initially opted for more conventional career paths. Humberto went toward law and Fernando pursued architecture. However, it wasn’t long before art found its way back to them. By chance while on vacation, Humberto created handmade shell rimmed mirrors and accessories for one of his friend’s clients. This experience with making handmade original creations left him wanting more. As he describes, “I was not an artist, but I was in search of something—learning as I was doing, looking at things,” This fatefully led him to open an art studio upon his return. Unbeknownst to him, the studio later became the world renowned ‘Estudio Campana‘.
(Image source: www.campanas.com.br)
Fernando initially joined his brother to help with the office work involved with opening a studio. But soon after completing an internship at the Bienal de São Paulo and being exposed to artists like Keith Haring, Anish Kapoor, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kenny Scharf, he slowly brought his ideas into Humberto’s work, and the two eventually joined forces. Together, their first project to get noticed was the 1989 collection Desconfortáveis (Uncomfortables), a collection of chairs, each with its own distinct personality. Not long after, their original style helped propel them to international recognition and they understood their drastic career shift was the right choice. Their work was showcased in museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Design Museum in London, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and many other highly recognized international institutions.
Old meets new age furniture
The Campana Brothers’ work focuses on the principle of finding new applications for old out items.They work primarily with discarded items such as rope, leather, plastic, fur and other low-tech materials, and combine them with modern, high-tech materials to create something new entirely. The ‘Sushi Chair’ is a great example of this distinct style.
(Image source: www.campanas.com.br)
The Sushi Chair is made from various twisted fabrics rolled tightly and compressed in a circular mold, rimmed with a sturdy template to keep them upright and stable. The vintage colors chosen for the piece come in stark contrast to the futuristic way the material is compacted and placed.
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Another remarkable design is their Baroque collection that comprises a chair, sofa, candlesticks, floor lamp and chandelier. The furniture collection incorporates distinct Roman Baroque style with the typical ad-hoc Brazilian way of life.
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Fernando explains that the idea behind the unique collection was “to create an organic language among the tradition of a culture and the perspective of a new country through the fusion of ornaments of the past with contemporary elements.”
As their career progressed, their design evolved with it and in contrast to their past pieces, incorporating socially conscious design in their work drives them today. As Fernando exclaims, “I think designers are now more interested in helping the planet than being superstars. It’s about offering new answers, with more dignity, to the challenges we see in the world. There’s so much that can be done, there’s such a vast array of opportunities that design can have an effect on. Partnering with communities in need is one of these ways.”
Socially conscious design
And, that’s what they did. In 2009 the brothers founded the nonprofit Campana Institute, one main mission of which is to collaborate with companies and social-support outreach organizations, such as the Sebrae Reference Center for Brazilian Crafts (CRAB, in Rio de Janeiro), the Research Institute for Innovation and Technology (IPTI, São Paulo), and the social assistance organization Oratório São Domingos. Fernando remarks, “We work with small, poor communities. I think in Brazil, one way to exit violence and social problems is through handcrafts.” This is why their well known “Dolphins in Leather Banquete” chair, was created in collaboration with a home-grown non-profit organization that handcrafted the stuffed leather dolphins.
(Image source: www.carpentersworkshopgallery.com)
Today’s work
The Campana brothers are showing no signs of slowing down soon. The Brazilian designer duo have created a collection for a Brazilian Ikea-like store called Tok&Stok. With enough experience under their belt, they believe the time has come for them to create a practical, affordable line of furniture.
They recently exhibited their collection, “Hybridism”, at the Friedman Benda in New York. A collection far more expressive than functional. The exhibition was a fully immersive environment composed of sculptural elements inspired by the brothers’ state of mind as they navigate the current global moment. The collection drew upon personal experiences which affected each brother deeply, whether it be Humberto’s impressions when running in São Paulo’s Parque Ibirapuera, to the brothers’ opinion on nature’s presence in the city.
(Image source: www.campanas.com.br)
Humberto explains, “after so many years designing, we wanted to have the pleasure of doing something non- functional. We wanted to do something that could express this moment that we are living, the planet, the political situation in the world. We wanted to bring all this convoluted world into this project. Our work sometimes touches on the surreal, and we wanted to bring in this world of dreams, lyrical. Sure, some pieces will still have a utilitarian aspect, but through the art filter.”