Brazilian artist Lucas Simões is making a significant stride into the realm of functional art with the unveiling of his debut furniture collection, “Colendra.” This eagerly anticipated collection will be featured as part of Ulysses de Santi’s upcoming exhibition, “Lightness & Tension,” at the prestigious Christie’s in Los Angeles. Simões, renowned for his sculptural works, expands his artistic vision by translating his signature aesthetic into a captivating array of furniture pieces. The collection embodies a modernistic sensibility, echoing the influential style of Joaquim Tenreiro, a pioneer of mid-century Brazilian design.
Simões’s “Colendra” Collection: A Fusion of Art and Design at Christie’s LA
The “Colendra” collection by Lucas Simões showcases a profound reinterpretation of classic furniture forms, transforming them into commanding, architectonic statements. Each piece is a testament to Simões’s mastery of material exploration and the delicate interplay between solidity and void. The collection comprises essential elements for a refined living space: a striking dining table, a graceful bench, a luxurious chaise lounge, and a versatile suite of coffee tables. These pieces are not merely functional objects but stand as individual sculptural works, each asserting its unique presence.
A key highlight of the collection is its sophisticated material palette. Simões boldly integrates raw materials such as metal, concrete, and glass, creating a rich tapestry of textures and transparencies. For instance, the elegant dining table features surfaces crafted from Patagonia Brazilian quartzite, majestically resting upon angular steel frames. The inclusion of polished concrete and tempered glass further accentuates the collection’s contrasting elements, allowing Simões to explore the nuanced relationship between weight and airiness.
The design ethos behind “Colendra” seamlessly merges the austere elegance of archetypal modernism with a contemporary flair for monumentality. The pieces feature wavy profiles that subtly nod to the organic curves found in Tenreiro’s original works, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of sculptural furniture. This collection not only celebrates Brazil’s rich design heritage but also propels its sculptural vocabulary into new and exciting territory.
Art enthusiasts and design connoisseurs are invited to preview the compelling “Colendra” collection in the accompanying gallery. The “Lightness & Tension” exhibition, also featuring Edgar Jayet’s latest furniture creations, will be open to the public from September 5 to September 19, 2025, at Christie’s Los Angeles, located at 336 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States.
This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of how artistic boundaries are continually being redefined. Simões’s venture into furniture design with “Colendra” exemplifies the potential for artists to transcend traditional mediums, bringing their unique perspectives to everyday objects. It highlights the beauty that emerges when sculptural principles are applied to functional design, transforming utilitarian pieces into profound works of art that challenge perceptions and inspire new dialogues within the design world.