The Campana Brothers studio in São Paulo has been pushing the limits of art and furniture and putting Brazil on the global design spotlight since its founding in 1984. Leading the brand through its aesthetic adventures until recently were Humberto and Fernando Campana, two creatives revered for their whimsical-yet-cerebral, anything-goes spirit.
The future of the Campanas’ world-renowned, highly coveted, and much collected collaborations was left in limbo, however, after Fernando’s untimely passing in 2022. Yet, unsurprising to those who know him, Humberto didn’t dwell in grief for too long. Instead, he began to focus on his transformation as a solo artist and expanding the studio’s portfolio with new and exciting projects.
The public will see many of these efforts this year, which marks the 40th anniversary of the brand. Revealed earlier this spring at the Friedman Benda Gallery in New York, On the Road was an exhibition of new pieces, some of which were made by Humberto alone. Critics called the show a return to the origins of Estúdio Campana’s first groundbreaking designs. The common thread of the showcase was a focus on unexpected material combinations welded together into mirrors, lighting, and benches—a feature that encompassed Humberto’s mantra for the show: “We learn from materials; they tell us what forms they should take.”
Another form of celebration for the Campanas’ 40th anniversary comes with the release of the documentary We the Others by design tastemakers Maria Cristina Didero and Francesca Molteni. The film made its debut at the spring 2024 edition of the Milan Furniture Fair and, although details were limited as of press time, it offers a perspective of the brothers’ work through the words of fellow designers and artists.
As for the future, Humberto’s immediate focus is on the opening of Parque Campana, which should make its debut this summer in his hometown of Brotas. The 130-acre park is devoted to various pavilions with installations themed around the topics that have influenced the Campanas’ works for 40 years: nature, conservation, provocation, and play. Or, as Humberto has described it: “a place of healing with beauty, observation, [and] contemplation.” @estudiocampana
Story Credits:
Text by Christopher Day
On the Road exhibition and standalone product photos courtesy of Friedman Benda Gallery; designer photo courtesy of Paola Lenti; Parque Campana photo by Filippo Bamberghini/Living Inside
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