JORGE ZALSZUPIN
JORGE ZALSZUPIN
This month’s modernist designer is another transplant to the country of Brazil, where the Modernist movement flourished in the mid-1900s. Like the other designers, he favored Brazilian woods and subtly curving forms, but he also brought a flair that was completely new...
Jorge Zalszupin (1922-present)
Poland, Brazil
Designer, Architect
Though originally from Poland, Jorge Zalszupin moved to Brazil following World War II. His story is one of beautiful timing, arriving in the country at the exact moment that Oscar Niemeyer was seeing success with modern architecture.
Zalszupin’s furniture designs fit perfectly with Niemeyer’s architectural ones, and a collaboration between the two artists quickly sent Zalszupin down the path to a long and successful career.
It was in 1959 that Zalszupin founded L’Atelier, a design and architecture firm that allowed him to create his own harmony between the two disciplines.
With the burgeoning development of Brasília at the time in the 1960s and 1970, Zalszupin’s firm had a hand in the design and/or furnishing of nearly every building in the city.
Like Giuseppe Scapinelli and Sergio Rodrigues, Zalszupin’s furniture designs embraced Brazilian woods, leather, and organic curves — but he did so with a style all his own.
Zalszupin’s designs were one of the first to combine geometric and organic forms. His pieces appear to defy the very materials they’re made of, making those materials all the more beautiful and enticing.
“Presidencial” Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, 1960s (source)
A half-century later, Zalszupin’s designs are still heralded as timeless and being recreated and manufactured for use in modern-day homes across the globe.
MORE MODERN DESIGNS BY JORGE ZALSZUPIN
"Presidencial" Armchair in Jacaranda, 1960 (source)
Lounge Chairs in Jacaranda and Leather, 1960s (source)
Lounge Chair in Jacaranda, 1960s (source)
Paulistana Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1956-1965 (source)
Armchairs in Jacaranda, 1960s (source)
Circa bench, 1960 (source)
Circa bench, 1960 (source)