by Jorge Zalszupin, 1970
The Polish born Jorge Zalszupin moved to Brazil after World War II, where he found an opportunity to develop his extremely sensual, modern architecture. A desire to rebuild a new post-war world and a wave of development in Brazil proved an ideal time for this creative atmosphere to flourish. Graceful lines, strong use of local woods and a combination of impeccable woodworking and classical detailing mark Zalszupin’s furniture. He became part of a select team of talented furniture designers, who worked closely with Oscar Niemeyer on the conception and production of furniture for the new federal capital. The pieces he designed during this time utilized the luxury of leather and combined it with classical Brazilian rosewood.
A significant part of Zalszupin's furniture production is tributary to his architecture. He used new design language and tendencies, while maintaining a functional view of ambience for internal spaces. The need to create a successful harmony between architecture and his furniture was the reason behind establishing his own company L'Atelier. L’Atelier was a design collective comprised of architects, engineers, craftsmen and a full-scale team of professionals that did everything from researching materials to the finalizing the product. With the birth of the utopic Brasilia during the 1960’s and 1970’s, virtually no public building was left unmarked by the brand’s creations. L’Atelier’s designs stand as benchmarks of modernism to this day.
Zalszupin’s furniture designs are characterized by both geometric lines and organic shapes combined with well-defined proportions, graceful lines and classical detailing. The quality of his furniture has transcended time and his pieces have become timeless. Zalszupin's production established a dialogue very close to the artisanal traditions of working with wood, ensuring quality in the esthetics and manufacturing of his work.
His work is now involved with Etel Carmona, who has re-edited his pieces and brought his timeless furniture into the modern Brazilian home.
