In 2014, a selection of more than 100 artists invaded Cidade Matarazzo, the former hospital Umberto Primeiro in São Paulo. Artists like Kenny Scharf, Vik Muniz, Tunga, Gary Simmons, Joana Vasconcelos, Xavier Veilhan, and others worked to create an ephemeral and spectacular exhibition. “Made by… Feito por Brasileiros” (Made for Brazilians) received 120,000 visitors in just 21 days, and was elected the best cultural initiative that same year at the Associação Paulista dos Críticos de Arte. Presently the book documenting this singular adventure, Creative Invasion is launching this Friday at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
But perhaps more important in the authenticating aftermath initiatives is the current construction of The Rosewood Tower in São Paulo’s Matarazzo Park. In fact, as the book does too, the building intends to capture and ground this creative invasion. Owned by Groupe Allard, its facade was designed by Jean Nouvel with interior artistic vision overseen by Philippe Starck.
Courtesy of Cidade Matarazzo
The structure already possesses a list of known qualifying epithets: “the vertical garden”, “the remnant oasis”, and “the landscape building” These all reflect what is being celebrated here— nature. The building is first and foremost a tribute to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. As the architects’ cabinet specifies, it is “Matarazzo Park that is invading a tower,” and not the opposite. The tower will present a series of leafy green planes, with terraces planted with the same species of trees as those in the park. The architecture and the materials of the residential structures will be made of what already belongs to the Brazilian countryside, and to Brazil—the land of the redwood tree.
Its architecture will recognize the past, the present, and the future. In its own distinctive way, the vertical garden will say “follow me, live in style at the top, yet with strong roots.” Around Matarazzo at first, then a bit farther afield, trees will begin to mount their assault on the city.
Courtesy of Cidade Matarazzo
Courtesy of Cidade Matarazzo
To find out more about Miami Art Week 2016, pick up the new issue of Whitewaller Miami.
The Rosewood Tower by Jean Nouvel.
