Joaquim Tenreiro, Wall Sculpture, 1984, Paint

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Wall sculpture designed and made by joaquim tenreiro, brazil 1984. This extraordinary abstract carved sculpture represents one of the most … Read more Wall sculpture designed and made by joaquim tenreiro, brazil 1984. This extraordinary abstract carved sculpture represents one of the most elusive and experimental facets of tenreiro’s oeuvre. Crafted from solid hardwood and finished in vivid red lacquer, the piece demonstrates his deep sensitivity to form, rhythm, and material. Tenreiro, celebrated as one of the founders of modern brazilian design, rarely ventured into purely sculptural works, making this creation a highly sought-after rarity within his artistic legacy. The sculpture features a dynamic composition of rounded and pointed volumes, merging organic curvature with geometric precision. Signed and numbered on the side jt03 and on the reverse sp1984, these markings confirm its authenticity and edition: jt for joaquim tenreiro, 03 indicating the edition number, sp denoting são paulo, and 1984 referring to the year of execution. The back retains its original patina and untouched wooden surface, offering a compelling contrast to the meticulously restored, red-painted front, where minor professional repairs were carried out to fill small holes. This very model is documented in the joaquim tenreiro monograph, where it is illustrated under the title composição em círculos, described as a painted wooden wall relief made in 1984. The publication emphasizes the artist’s ability to balance sculptural tension and chromatic vibrancy, transforming wood into a pulsating surface of light and depth. After his highly successful career as an architect and furniture designer, joaquim tenreiro turned his creative focus toward the fine arts, dedicating his later years to painting and sculpture. This transition revealed a more introspective and experimental side of his artistic language. Freed from the constraints of functionality, tenreiro explored pure form, rhythm, and color with the same precision that defined his furniture. His sculptural works, often carved from solid wood and finished in bold hues, reflect a deep understanding of materiality and proportion, transforming structure into poetry. These late creations stand as a continuation of his modernist vision, where craftsmanship and abstraction merge in timeless harmony. A rare collector’s item, this work encapsulates tenreiro’s sculptural vision, bridging craftsmanship, abstraction, and the sensorial warmth of brazilian modernism, making it a truly unique and exceptional presence on any wall. Literature; tenreiro, bolsa de arte, rio de janeiro, page unknown. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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