FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Magnan Metz Gallery is pleased to present the first solo exhibition for Colombian duo, Mangle. Sinergia will be on display from June 28^th through July 26^th with an artist reception on Thursday, June 27^th from 6 to 8pm.

Having mastered the delicate and meticulous craft of furniture woodwork, Mangle has now begun to explore the flexibility of their medium. They seek to transform the capacity of the material; to instill a constant flow of energy throughout it. Through their coupled workforce, they create an organic synergy: an interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements.

A cable suggests the transmission of an electrical current between Point A and Point B. With the extension of these cables, a connection becomes stronger and more expansive. When constructing a cable out of wood, this idea of transmission takes on new meaning. It encourages a surge of vital, natural, and constantly moving energy throughout the trees that they originated from.  Sinergia also investigates the energy that man applies and transfers to alter the physical appearance and form of wood in order to yield functional tools.

Mangle, whose name hails from the twisting, winding mangrove trees of Colombia, uses complex, handmade molds to invent new structures.  The undulations of Tayrona (2007), the gentle curve of Vientre (2007) and the sinewy body of Vineras (2009) each pay homage to these harmonious, naturally occurring forms.   As Maria Paula explains, the duo finds inspiration in “…the sensuality of the line and its fluidity and discovering in our designs that which we want to obtain. It is an intimate process of constant conciliation”. 

Diego Fernando Alvarez (b. Bogotá, 1978) and Maria Paula Alvarez (b. Bogotá, 1984), formed Mangle in 2006 after completing the woodwork program of la Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Santo Domingo. Mangle produces small, limited editions of their designs, ensuring that they remain creators of unique pieces.  

For more information or images, please contact the gallery at info@magnanmetz.com or 212 244 2344.