Torso Bench

Originally conceived by Rodrigo Ohtake as a one-of-a-kind piece in carbon steel, the Banco Torso remained unpublished until its reedition by ETEL in 2024. Inspired by the movements of a ballerina, Rodrigo designed a metal structure that evokes the continuous motion of a ribbon dancing through the air — a form that floats and folds, as if mid-choreography.

The bench was originally created for an artistic performance, curated by Beta Germano for Galeria Nicoli’s exhibition at MADE in 2018. On that occasion, a ballerina interacted with the piece during the live presentation, highlighting its sculptural and performative character.

Banco Torso establishes a direct dialogue with the iconic Onda stool, created by his father, Ruy Ohtake, and with the sculptures of his grandmother, Tomie Ohtake. In its form and movement, the piece articulates a sensitive connection between three generations, expressing continuities and resonances across art, design, and architecture.

During ABERTO3, held at the Tomie Ohtake House-Studio and the Chu Ming House, ETEL cast a thoughtful gaze upon the artistic and cultural legacy of one of Brazil’s most significant creative families. Rodrigo’s work, now reissued as a limited edition in stainless steel, stands out in this context for its symbolic power, gracefully weaving together the contributions of different times and sensibilities within the Ohtake lineage.