At almost 100 years old, Oscar Niemeyer writes about Brasília, his works, the passing of time, and draws his greatest inspiration: women.
-
Sketchbook by Oscar Niemeyer , with nine pages of text and six original drawings.
- No information about the location, 2000s. 15 sheets, nothing on the back of them.
- 28 cm x 20 cm.
- In Portuguese.
- Excellent condition, a slight crease mark at the top.
- One-of-a-kind.
It's been 10 years since Oscar Niemeyer passed away, at the age of 104, leaving behind a life of extraordinary work and creations in Brazil and around the world. To commemorate this date, I present to you an exceptional document for those who appreciate architecture or simply beauty.
It is a collection of sheets bound together in a notebook belonging to Niemeyer . First, there are nine pages of text and then six drawings (one on each sheet). I confess that the collection remains largely mysterious, due to the fact that Niemeyer 's handwriting is almost illegible.
What I know for sure is that it's from Niemeyer 's hand, and that it ended up in a traditional bookstore in Rio de Janeiro that the architect frequented. Unfortunately, the bookstore closed, like many others in recent years. But I managed to rescue this treasure.
It's moving for me to know that (...) now they will actually be in Portugal (...) they were gone for many years (...) I received the news with enthusiasm that the (...) my works will be exhibited in Lisbon, Portugal, architects (...) we will talk about the architecture of Brasília (...) courtesy (...) time passes, rulers succeed each other (...) contacts. (...) but life goes on (...) I received the news with pleasure that the expo (...) my works (...) Portuguese (...) this love. I can't go to Portugal (...) Brasília celebrates its anniversary, it's time to put aside (...) we go back to remember those who collaborated (...) there appears JK (...).
A letter? A speech? A future book? Or simply thoughts? These words are enigmatic, but we can make assumptions about the date. Given his mention of Brasília's anniversary, inaugurated in 1960, and the fact that this handwriting is characteristic of the end of his life, close to his centenary, we can assume it's a significant anniversary, perhaps 2000 or 2010. Niemeyer died in 2012. But since he mentions an important exhibition in Portugal, it could be the 1998 World Expo, where he was honored.
I enjoyed witnessing the feelings of this great personality and words like: "moving," "with enthusiasm," "it was a pleasure," "this love," which show how much Oscar Niemeyer appreciated the interest of the public and professionals in his work, even after being consecrated for decades. I also perceived a certain melancholy: "time runs, rulers succeed each other" and "life goes on." More importantly, for us collectors or institutions, the fact that he mentioned Brasília and JK, the most emblematic episode of his career.
The designs in this block are easier to understand. Women, sensuality, eroticism. "Only the free and sensual curve attracts me," he says. Oscar Niemeyer 's famous curves were the inspiration for almost all of his impressive buildings, sculptures, and furniture. It began in 1940, in Belo Horizonte. The Alvorada Palace in Brasília? A sculptural female body, according to the monomaniacal architect, who saw graphic lines everywhere.
Drawings attributed to Niemeyer are not rare on the market, but 95% are forgeries or copies. I believe that, along with Tarsila do Amaral, Niemeyer ranks first in the ranking of the most forged Brazilian artists. Perhaps because of the relative simplicity of his strokes. What is authentic is often preserved at the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, these fifteen sheets are exceptional and a unique opportunity.
