Mano Penalva is taking part in two exhibitions in São Paulo, which are open to the public this week.
The artist presents his work ‘Bocada’ (2022) in the group show ‘a chair is a chair is a chair’, at Luiza Strina Gallery. Organised by Nessia Leonzini and Livia Debbane, the exhibition looks at how artistic languages interfere with, recreate, criticise or translate these pieces of furniture which, throughout history, have reflected different cultural, social and technical moments. Works by more than 50 contemporary artists from different generations and languages will be on view until 21 September.
Penalva’s work evokes the action of putting something in your mouth in a single bite. According to the artist, the stool represents such an action, in which the four corners of a square seat are softened by billiard table structures, resembling the outline of a mouth. The nets of these structures are filled with blue and red balls, almost filling the drop pockets. ‘Bocada’ brings that moment when the object fulfils its function – the action is given. This work came about during one of the artist’s many walks through the city centre of São Paulo, specifically in the legendary 25 de Março Street, when he observed a street vendor renting out benches to passers-by tired from a day’s shopping.
More information: www.luisastrina.com.br
On the other hand, the installation ‘Crepom’ [ Crepe ], conceived especially for the ‘280×1020 Project’ at Casa de Cultura do Parque – a new cultural centre in the city of São Paulo, located in Alto de Pinheiros – is part of the programme of the 2024 2nd exhibition cycle, which also includes works by Carla Chaim, Marcelo Amorim, Nino Cais, Lenora de Barros, Rosângela Rennó, Leda Catunda and Flora Leite.
Inspired by the emotional memory of his grandmother, who taught him how to make crepe paper flowers, Penalva celebrates the knowledge passed down through the body and affection. ‘Crepom’ consists of a video performance, a sound channel and two large murals that resemble blackboards, adorned with white crepe frills. According to curator and researcher Mariana Leme, who signs the critical text, the installation seeks to revive an education in the materiality and beauty of things. On view until 13 October.
More information: ccparque.com.br
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Pictures gallery
by Estúdio em obra
