Daniel Steegmann Mangrané. A Leaf-Shaped Animal Draws The Hand

The work of Daniel Steegmann Mangrané (Barcelona, 1977; lives and works in Rio de Janeiro) ponders on the relationship between culture and nature. The artist’s interest in biology has led him to analyze complex ecological systems and introduce the natural world into his works. 

In Steegmann Mangrané’s practice numerous are the references to the rain forest in Brazil—such as branches, leaves, and insects—which interwoven with geometric forms and abstract motifs engender a reflection on the complex dynamics between the elements that surround us.

His first exhibition in Italy presents more than twenty works made from 1998 to the present time, ranging from films, virtual reality devices, 2D holograms, sculptures, and installations. 

The artist places the physical and sensory dimension of the viewer at the heart of the exhibition project, offering new visions of the entire corpus of his works as they dialogue with one another.

The exhibition is characterized by a shift between material and immaterial experiences, expanded further through the site-specific intervention that are made of white transparent fabric partitions that redefine the industrial quality of Pirelli HangarBicocca, whilst both concealing and revealing the exhibited works.

Some of the most relevant international institutions have hosted his solo shows, including IAC – Institut d’art contemporain, Villeurbanne; Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham (2019); CCS Bard College, New York, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Barcelona, CAC, Vilnius (2018); Fundação de Serralves, Porto (2017); Medellín Museum of Modern Art, Antioquia, The Green Parrot, Barcelona (2016); Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro, Casa Modernista, São Paulo (2015); CRAC Alsace Centre Rhénan d’Art Contemporain, Altkirch (2014); Casa França-Brasil, Rio de Janeiro (2013). 

His works have also been displayed in numerous group shows, such as at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Metz, 14th Lyon Biennale (2017); 9th Berlin Biennale (2016); New Museum Triennial, New York, Kadist Art Foundation, Paris (2015); 9th Mercosul Biennale, Porto Alegre (2013); 30th São Paulo Biennale (2012).