Campana brothers’ wicker baskets delight at Expo 2020 Dubai
The Campana brothers’ playful new basket designs are inspired by indigenous basketry
São Paulo-based designers Fernando and Humberto Campana have launched a collection of new multipurpose baskets at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Campana brothers have unveiled the new pieces at the show, which runs until 31 March 2022, as part of the Crafts Stories series curated by Samer Yamani.
The Campanas’ baskets appear to be caught in action, frozen in fluid silhouettes that lend an anthropomorphic edge to the pieces, which are inspired by the traditional forms of indigenous basketry. The brothers have returned to the wicker they have frequented in previous collections, which is here handwoven and given earthy hues of beige, black, green and brown.
Campana baskets take on anthropomorphic forms
Creating the pieces was a process that united design teams in São Paulo, Dubai and the Philippines, who drew on both natural, free-flowing shapes and the hues of Brazilian fauna and flora. The baskets, twisted into natural shapes, recalling horns and fungi, take on organic and playful forms.
‘We love the plasticity and versatility of this collection,’ says Humberto Campana. ‘The unexpected effect of the baskets’ unusual shapes gives pieces personality as if they were coming alive. It also shows the potential of widely available materials and vernacular traditions to deliver contemporary pieces that tickle our imagination.’
For Fernando Campana, being part of Expo 2020 Dubai increased the possibilities inherent in the collection by offering the opportunity to draw links between different cultures and skill sets, as well as weaving a cultural web linking Emirati artisans to the UAE’s showcase of international creations. ‘Working with Expo 2020 Dubai under the MENASA programme [highlighting Emirati crafts] was a great experience as it truly encouraged cultural exchange and best practices for sustainable design in every step of the process. We are proud to present a collection that praises indigenous traditions, sustainable natural fibres, and handcraft excellence.’
INFORMATION
Expo 2020 Dubai runs until March 31, 2022
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
‘I wanted to create a sanctuary’ – discover a nature-conscious take on Balinese architecture
Umah Tsuki by Colvin Haven is an idyllic Balinese family home rooted in the island's crafts culture
By Natasha Levy Published
-
‘Concrete Dreams’: rethinking Newcastle’s brutalist past
A new project and exhibition at the Farrell Centre in Newcastle revisits the radical urban ideas that changed Tyneside in the 1960s and 1970s
By Smilian Cibic Published
-
Mexican designers show their metal at Gallery Collectional, Dubai
‘Unearthing’ at Dubai’s Gallery Collectional sees Ewe Studio designers Manu Bañó and Héctor Esrawe celebrate Mexican craftsmanship with contemporary forms
By Rebecca Anne Proctor Published
-
Paola Lenti and Estudio Campana turn unwanted waste into playful seating
Italian brand Paola Lenti and Brazil’s Estudio Campana stay in the pink with an eco-friendly and socially responsible debut collaboration
By Maria Cristina Didero Last updated
-
Campana Brothers look back on 35 years of revolutionary design
On view at modernist Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, ‘Campana Brothers – 35 Revolutions’ is a retrospective of the Brazilian designers’ impactful oeuvre
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
From Brazilian politics to Trump, the Campana brothers get personal in their latest show
By Olivia Martin Last updated
-
Piece corps: Wallpaper* and Sotheby’s join forces to reveal what great design is made of
By Hugo Macdonald Last updated
-
Luminaire auctions Campana brothers, Nendo and Marcel Wanders works (and more) in Miami
By Sujata Burman Last updated
-
Bold as brass: the new ’Ghidini 1961’ collection shines at Salone
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Comfort zone: Campana brothers at Carpenters Workshop Gallery
By Amy Verner Last updated
-
Future stars: up-and-coming designers rule the roost at Maison et Objet 2016
By Christopher Stocks Last updated