Surrounded by verdant mountains, the remote Brazilian region of Minas Gerais is a world away from the narrow Parisian streets in the Marais; yet the organic creations from Domingos Tótora seem perfectly suited to the white minimalist backdrop of gallery James Paris.
That the Brazilian designer achieves his striking, flawlessly-formed decorative objects exclusively from reclaimed cardboard enhances the contextual divide even further. Here, against the white-walled backdrop (conceived by DAS Studio), Tótora’s elongated vessels, ridged discs and slanted stools could be alternately interpreted as primitive or contemporary - yet are also unquestionably artisanal.
Every piece begins the same way: the cardboard is broken down into small enough pieces to be turned into a pulp. Tótora and his studio team then sculpt the forms by hand, sometimes leaving the texture smooth, other times forming tactile, elaborately repeated reliefs. Like a lo-fi version of firing clay, the works bake in the sun before any last finishing touches. The collection on display reaffirms how such humble material can be coaxed into a variety of finessed surfaces.
The most unexpected of all is a 2.5 metre-long solid bench; its burnt umber hue and crackled, almost granular, appearance could hardly be traced back to a pile of discarded boxes. One of the discs consists of small squares embellished with a dimensional pattern. A striped motif is subtly integrated into the fluted vases.
If there is an arte povera element to the concept, it also represents a deeper desire towards refined, sustainable design. 'He puts it to use rather than to waste,' says Candice Fauchon, who runs James Paris with her partner Paul Viguier, seeking out the best in Brazilian modernism. Tótora’s pieces are available as an open edition by special order, which makes sense given the endless supply of cardboard. 'It’s an approach in perfect harmony with nature,' she adds. It’s a satisfying thought that is reaffirmed by the faintly detectable earthy scent inherent to each piece.
’Anforas’ (in foreground) and ’Banco Terrao’. Every piece begins the same way: the cardboard is broken down into small enough pieces to be turned into a pulp
’Disco Plano Relevo’ (left) and ’Disco Plano Frisos’. Tótora and his studio team then sculpt the forms by hand, either creating a smooth texture or repeated reliefs
’Banco Pardo’, 2015
’Vaso Organico Casca Mod. 4’. Like a lo-fi version of firing clay, the works bake in the sun before any last finishing touches
Detail of ’Anforas’. The collection reaffirms how such humble material can be coaxed into a variety of finessed surfaces
’Vaso Organico Casca Mod. 2’. Tótora’s pieces are available as an open edition by special order
INFORMATION
For more information, visit James Paris’ website
ADDRESS
18-20, Rue de Thorigny
75003 Paris
-
Step inside this Upper East Side jewel box apartmentThis radiant Lexington Avenue home is a harbinger of good things for the Upper East Side, and the latest focus of The Inside Story, our series spotlighting intriguing and innovative interior design
-
A new hilltop California home is rooted in the landscape and celebrates views of natureWOJR's California home House of Horns is a meticulously planned modern villa that seeps into its surrounding landscape through a series of sculptural courtyards
-
Is a tiny tattoo the best holiday souvenir? Kimpton Hotels think soIn partnership with Tiny Zaps, Kimpton Hotels is bringing city-inspired tattoo pop-ups to five U.S. locations
-
Jack White's Third Man Records opens a Paris pop-upJack White's immaculately-branded record store will set up shop in the 9th arrondissement this weekend
-
‘The Black woman endures a gravity unlike any other’: Pharrell Williams explores diverse interpretations of femininity in ParisPharrell Williams returns to Perrotin gallery in Paris with a new group show which serves as an homage to Black women
-
What makes fashion and art such good bedfellows?There has always been a symbiosis between fashion and the art world. Here, we look at what makes the relationship such a successful one
-
Architecture, sculpture and materials: female Lithuanian artists are celebrated in NîmesThe Carré d'Art in Nîmes, France, spotlights the work of Aleksandra Kasuba and Marija Olšauskaitė, as part of a nationwide celebration of Lithuanian culture
-
Out of office: what the Wallpaper* editors have been doing this weekInvesting in quality knitwear, scouting a very special pair of earrings and dining with strangers are just some of the things keeping the Wallpaper* team occupied this week
-
Tom Wesselmann’s enduring influence on pop art goes under the spotlight in Paris‘Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &...’ is on view at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris until 24 February 2025
-
Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales film series comes to life for Art Basel ParisIn ‘Tales & Tellers’, interdisciplinary artist Goshka Macuga brings Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales film series for Art Basel Paris to life for the public programme
-
Art Basel returns to Paris: here is everything to see and doArt Basel Paris 2024 (18 - 20 October 2024) returns, opening at the newly renovated Grand Palais
