The fifth iteration of the Brazilian design exhibition, Aberto, is currently being hosted within the distinctive architecture of Casa Bola, architect Eduardo Longo's self-constructed spherical residence from the 1970s located in São Paulo. This year's showcase features a diverse collection of art, including installations, sculptures, and paintings by 50 artists, all thoughtfully integrated into Longo's visionary home. The exhibition underscores a profound interaction between the art pieces and the unique spherical design of the building, celebrating the whimsical and airy character inherent in Casa Bola's architecture.
Aberto's fifth edition is a captivating confluence of artistic expression and architectural innovation, staged within the remarkable Casa Bola in São Paulo. This exhibition brings together 50 diverse creative talents, whose works span installations, sculptures, and paintings, all carefully curated to complement the unique features of Eduardo Longo's iconic 1970s residence. The event offers visitors an immersive experience, where the boundary between art and environment blurs, encouraging a deeper appreciation for both the individual artworks and the groundbreaking design of Casa Bola.
Casa Bola: A Visionary Architectural Masterpiece
Eduardo Longo's Casa Bola, a self-built structure from 1979, is the centerpiece of the Aberto/05 exhibition. This spherical ferro-cement facade building stands out in São Paulo's Faria Lima, embodying Longo's utopian vision of urban living. The house features a unique design with three subterranean gallery-style floors that continue to serve as Longo's home and office, topped by a prominent spherical volume. A bright yellow slide wraps around the sphere, offering a playful alternative to the traditional staircase, further emphasizing the building's distinctive and whimsical character.
Casa Bola, built by architect Eduardo Longo in 1979, is not merely a venue but a key participant in the Aberto/05 exhibition, embodying a futuristic and idealistic architectural approach. Its striking spherical shape, crafted from ferro-cement, makes it a landmark in São Paulo's urban landscape. Below the distinctive sphere, three levels of gallery-like spaces house both Longo's personal residence and his professional studio. The architectural narrative is enhanced by elements like a vibrant yellow slide, which playfully intertwines with the building's exterior, offering a dynamic and unconventional passage. This structure is a testament to Longo's inventive spirit, reflecting a desire to rethink conventional living spaces and integrate art and life seamlessly.
Artistic Dialogues within a Spherical Setting
The exhibition's curator, Filipe Assis, emphasized that the artworks created for Aberto/05 engage in a direct dialogue with Casa Bola's unique spherical form, materiality, and humorous essence. Artists like Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Sandra Cinto, and Janaina Tschape have contributed site-specific pieces that resonate with the building's distinct atmosphere. Mangrané's aluminum curtain, Cinto's paintings, and Tschape's mural exemplify how these artists thoughtfully interacted with Casa Bola's physical and symbolic dimensions, ensuring a cohesive integration of art within the architectural space.
Filipe Assis, the curator of Aberto/05, highlighted the profound connection between the exhibited artworks and Casa Bola's architectural identity. The chosen artists, including Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Sandra Cinto, and Janaina Tschape, developed pieces specifically for this setting, ensuring they not only fit physically but also conceptually with the spherical structure, its material qualities, and its inherent playfulness. Mangrané's intricately cut aluminum curtain, Cinto's evocative paintings that capture the home's 'spaceship vibes', and Tschape's expansive mural all demonstrate a deep engagement with Casa Bola's curves and angles. This thoughtful curation ensures that each artwork is intrinsically linked to the building, creating an experience where art and architecture mutually enhance each other, showcasing a harmonious fusion of creative expressions.