Brazilian Filters

The 2014 Brazilian Exhibit is a history lesson.  One that you could fundamentally enjoy…

We are taken on a chronological visual diary describing the evolution of Brazilian architecture.  As you delve further the characters (Architects) who were so prevalent (Burle Max, Niemeyer, etc) to this  ‘modern’ movement become more regularly referenced  (along with their collaborations), and we begin to understand how the architecture during these periods was intertwined with the social and economic growth and pressures that have fluctuated within the country during the past 100 years.

The fabrication of the exhibit itself is subtle and clever and works wonderfully with the 1960’s designed pavilion.  Perforated polystyrene foam in panels used as tack (pin) boards allows varying qualities of light and air to filter through the building reminiscent of vernacular construction.

Brazil has continued to move forward over the last 100 years coping with rapid population increases, tough economic times….surely here are some lessons to be learnt.  Was it the individual Architects who kept it moving forward, steering it, or the fact they worked alongside each other to resolve the many deeper issues their country and people were facing?

You left the pavilion with questions, but feeling uplifted and happy.

To see more Venice Bienalle Photographs go here

The exterior next to the Giardini River

The exterior next to the Giardini River

Polystyrene Foam dividers reminiscent of vernacular construction filter the light and the air.

Polystyrene Foam dividers reminiscent of vernacular construction filter the light and the air.

Entry filtered through a screen

Entry filtered through a screen

Natural and artificial light is filtered and reflected

Natural and artificial light is filtered and reflected

Constant visual reminders of where we have been, and were we might be going.

Constant visual reminders of where we have been, and were we might be going.

The exhibit embraced the building and referenced it to strengthen the chronological story being told.

The exhibit embraced the building and referenced it to strengthen the chronological story being told.