Photography: RR
The uNi Sea Urchin is currently one of the stars at the MoMA Design Store, featured in the Pop-Up exhibition “A Vida Portuguesa!”. The piece is making its international debut across the Atlantic, showcased in the stores of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Having started on January 8 until March 10, the sea urchin, a symbol of Ericeira, will be available at the Soho and 53rd Street locations, right across from the Museum of Modern Art, bringing the creativity of Portuguese design to the city that never sleeps, as Frank Sinatra famously sang.
this sea urchin represents the memory of unique moments
This is a milestone for “A Vida Portuguesa”, with the uNi Sea Urchin — created by Paulo Reis — standing as one of the emblematic pieces of an exhibition that highlights the best of Portuguese design. The items, which will be available for purchase, have been carefully selected and approved by MoMA curators, who are also responsible for the museum’s exhibitions, ensuring that each piece reflects the excellence and authenticity of national design.
Anyone who has encountered these spiny and rugged spheres knows how unforgettable they are for those who “get stung”: there are 950 species of sea urchins in all the world’s oceans and depths — from the coastline to 5,000 meters below sea level. It is, therefore, a living being as universal as it is local.
This one, in particular, is 100% Portuguese. Made of wood and crafted by hand, the uNi represents the memory of unique moments spent in our country, with its intense flavours and a relaxed, fraternal sense of togetherness.
In addition to being available at the physical stores in New York, the uNi Sea Urchin is also available for online purchase, allowing more people around the globe to appreciate and acquire this iconic piece from Ericeira.
a design piece as universal as it is local
ABOUT THE COLLECTION AND STORE
The MoMA Design Store has the exclusive debut of “A Vida Portuguesa” in the United States. Having started on January 8, and running until March 10, this inaugural showcase is featured at the MoMA Design Store locations in Soho and Midtown, as well as online at store.moma.org.
The project was marked with a special event on January 9 at the Soho store on Spring Street, featuring a discussion about Portuguese design and culture with Catarina Portas, founder of “A Vida Portuguesa”, illustrator Jorge Colombo, and Emmanuel Plat, Director of Merchandising at the MoMA Design Store.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
