Buzzy Design Show Aberto Transforms Architectural Marvels in São Paulo

“These homes offer an unexpected intimacy, inspired by Oriental designs with low ceilings that enhance engagement with the art, promoting contemplation and interaction,” says Moreira Salles. “Our curation carefully uses architectural elements—openings, angles, and natural light—to place artworks, transforming each house into a canvas that blends form and function for an immersive experience beyond typical exhibition standards.”

Within Chu Ming Silveira’s home in São Paulo’s Morumbi neighborhood, the architect’s youngest son Alan Chu will display his latest pieces alongside reinterpretations of his mother’s original works in an exhibition curated by Etel gallery. Mazzucchelli selected companion artworks including examples by Hauser & Wirth artist Anna Maria Maiolino, who received a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the most recent the Venice Biennale, as well as Wanda Pimentel, Lygia Pape, Lygia Clark, and Alfredo Volpi.

Simultaneously, a retrospective of Tomie Ohtake is on view at the artist’s Brutalist home in the city’s Camp Belo neighborhood. One of the earliest designs by the artist’s son, architect Ruy Ohtake, the residence features a show personal items, archival materials, and artworks, displayed alongside pieces by Ruy as well as new limited-edition pieces by Tomie’s grandson Rodrigo Ohtake.

Additionally, Etel gallery curated a selection of newly commissioned artworks by up-and-coming Brazilian talents, including Antonio Tarsis, Sophia Loeb, and Yuli Yamagata, and pieces by established creatives such as Ana Prata, Luiz Zerbini, and Alexandre da Cunha.

“We are thrilled to unveil the remarkable stories of these extraordinary women and their profound impact on Brazilian art, architecture, and design,” says Etel CEO Lissa Carmona. “Aberto/03 not only celebrates their artistic and architectural contributions but also their immigrant perspectives that shaped the Brazilian Modernist movement.”

This latest iteration, which follows the inaugural presentation in 2022 in the only residential project designed by Oscar Niemeyer in São Paulo and 2023’s edition with a 1974 family residence designed by architect Vilanova Artigas in the Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood—runs through September 15.

“The concept of Aberto takes roots in the iconic 1922 Modern Art Week, a cornerstone movement that brought together artists, architects, and writers, and established the groundwork for creative intersection among disciplines,” says Assis. “This event inspired our ongoing exploration of Brazilian Modernism and its relevance in contemporary culture where art, design and modern architecture come together.”