Untitled (1983)
Wooden relief
Stamped, signed, dated 1983, and located Brazil on the reverse
Dimensions: 70 × 59 × 16 cm
In this untitled wooden relief from 1983, Joaquim Tenreiro demonstrates his mastery in woodworking and his transition from functional furniture design to sculptural art. The piece features geometric forms and a rhythmic composition, reflecting Tenreiro's deep understanding of form, space, and material. The use of native Brazilian woods and the meticulous craftsmanship highlight his commitment to creating works that are both modern and rooted in Brazilian cultural identity.
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) was a pioneering figure in Brazilian modernist design. Born in Melo, Portugal, he moved to Brazil in the late 1920s, where he became instrumental in developing a distinct Brazilian modernist aesthetic. Tenreiro's furniture designs are celebrated for their elegant simplicity, use of native materials like jacaranda wood and cane, and their suitability to the Brazilian climate and lifestyle. In the late 1960s, he shifted his focus entirely to the fine arts, producing paintings and sculptures that continued to explore the interplay of form, lightness, and material. His work has been exhibited internationally and remains influential in both design and art circles
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