LOUNGE /
ART
July 22, 2015
The Father of Modern Brazilian Architecture: The Oscar Niemeyer Exhibition | The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART TOKYO
Dynamic exhibition of models of his masterpieces and documents from the construction of Brasilia
The first major retrospective in Japan of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer
From July 18 (Saturday), the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo will host "Oscar Niemeyer: The Man Who Built Brazil's World Heritage." This large-scale exhibition, commemorating the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, will feature a 1:30 scale model of "Ibirapuera Park," one of Niemeyer's masterpieces.
Text by TSUCHIYA Motohiro (OPENERS)
Oscar Niemeyer: The Man Who Built World Heritage
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer is a leading figure in Brazilian modernist architecture, who also collaborated with Le Corbusier on the design of the United Nations Headquarters building in New York. In the 1950s, as part of a national project to relocate the capital to Brasilia, he was involved in the design of key buildings (such as the National Congress and the Cathedral), creating a city of rich creativity. This success, a historical achievement beyond the realm of architecture, led to Brasilia being registered as a World Heritage site in 1987.
Oscar Niemeyer, "Cathedral of Brasilia." Photo: Leonardo Finotti
Niemeyer once said, "Art is very important to architecture." His designs are filled with the boldness and freedom of freehand drawing, and a sense of physical presence in their spatialization. Characterized by organic, dynamic curves, often compared to the female form, they harmonize with a sense of vitality and modernist geometry. His futuristic designs have greatly influenced Japanese architects and continue to earn him admiration.
The exhibition space itself was designed by SANAA, a Japanese architectural unit deeply influenced by Niemeyer. The exhibition is based on white, reminiscent of Brazilian light, and composed of dynamic, modern, and organic curves.
Lesser-Known Product Designs Also on Display
In addition to architectural models and photographs, Niemeyer's rocking chairs will also be exhibited. These chairs, loaned for the exhibition by Tendo Mokko of Yamagata, were manufactured in Tendo Mokko's Brazil factory in the 1970s.
Chairs designed by Niemeyer and manufactured by Tendo Mokko include rocking chairs, easy chairs, and lounge chairs. Some were exported to Japan, and others were installed in the National Congress building, which he also designed.
Oscar Niemeyer, "Rocking Chair." Private Collection (Tendo Mokko)
"Oscar Niemeyer: The Man Who Built Brazil's World Heritage"
Dates: July 18 (Sat) – October 12 (Mon)
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
*Open until 21:00 on Fridays from July to September
Closed: Mondays (If a Monday is a public holiday, the museum will be open and closed the following weekday)
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, B2F Exhibition Hall
4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Admission: Adults ¥1100, University students, vocational school students, seniors (65+) ¥800, Junior high and high school students ¥600, Children elementary school age and younger free
SANAA Talk Event "We Love Niemeyer" (tentative title)
A talk session with architects SANAA (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa), who were responsible for the exhibition's spatial design, and Yuko Hasegawa, Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Date: August 22 (Sat)
Time: 15:00–
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, B2F Auditorium
Inquiries
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Tel. 03-5245-4111
http://www.mot-art-museum.jp