A deeper look into the art of restoration

For this first edition, the chosen theme was straw, or cane, a generic name for a group of over 600 species of natural fiber, which have been used in household objects for thousands of years. Traditional communities around the world used to plait in order to fulfill their needs and according to their local, regional and cultural aesthetic standards. There is no doubt that we are living in a distinct society today, but it is interesting to point out which traditions have crossed generations and remain part of a handcrafted and historically sophisticated aesthetic imaginary. Straw plaiting has been passed along many generations, and is certainly one of the most beautiful manual practices.

The values associated with the use of straw in furniture – as seat or backrest – are aesthetic and historical ones which are a bigger deal than the durability of the material. Therefore, the purpose of this first edition is to discuss the use of straw in different areas, but always focusing on Brazil’s history, socio-cultural relations and manual labor. The following images shed light on the patient and detailed work of the plaiter. A work that through the geometric overlap of thin, brittle and dry leaves creates resistance.

We hope that these texts and images together can contribute to the appreciation of artisanal work applied to furniture and especially to the recognition of its social impact.

Isabela Milagre - Curator