Matt Mignanelli: Between Nature & Structure ~ a Public Art Installation at Five Bryant Park

November 2, 2020
afinelyne

Denny Dimin Gallery announced the solo public art installation, Between Nature & Structure by artist Matt Mignanelli at Five Bryant Park.

Located at the intersection of West 40th Street and Sixth Avenue, across from the southwest corner of Bryant Park, Between Nature & Structure bridges the natural world of Bryant Park ~ a lush, green oasis in the heart of Manhattan ~ to the stark architecture of Midtown.

Mignanelli creates paintings based on geometric forms and gradated fields, inspired by light, shadow, and architectural elements of the urban landscape. Here, the artist has created a 7 x 16 foot painting that graces the entry to 5 Bryant Park, and a succession of 5 works continuing through to 41st Street.

Matt Mignanelli’s work embraces themes of both nature and structure, reflecting the neighborhood’s past and present along with its relationship with Bryant Park. Mignanelli’s incredibly detailed and methodical hand-painting, contrasts with more conceptual brush strokes and freehand planes of color.

Mignanelli typically works within a limited color palette of black, white, or blue, while freely exploring permutations of form. The element of chance associated with his freehand process is recorded in the organic build up of splashes and drips of paint on the canvas. The spontaneity that emerges makes the paintings feel alive. The use of the color blue references both the natural world and the utilitarian use of the same color within the urban environment, often seen on mailboxes and dumpsters.

A mosaic created by artist Max Spivak in 1958 graces the 40th Street facade, and features an abstract depiction of garment industry tools. The mosaic was rediscovered during a 2015 building renovation, and is a seminal example of postwar New York abstraction. During Spivak’s era, the neighborhood surrounding Five Bryant Park was home to many garment and textile businesses. The opportunity to examine the neighborhood through the eyes of these two artists allows for a fascinating dialogue linking the past and present of New York City.

Matt Mignanelli: Between Nature & Structure is curated by Standard Arts. The installation will be on view to January 1, 2021 at Five Bryant Park, NYC