East New York is not known for its draw as a gallery hotspot, but if Fernando Mastrangelo has anything to do with it, the art-world masses may feel compelled to visit more often. The artist and designer, known for his serene sculptural works made from commonplace materials such as sand, glass and cement, recently opened a 10,000 sq ft workshop and studio, with 1,000 sq ft devoted to a gallery space.
‘In my old studio in Bushwick, I had a lot of success with people coming to see the pieces in this beautiful, all-white showroom gallery and then also being able to see those same pieces being made in the same building – it was a double experience,’ says Mastrangelo. However, his work area was cramped and he wanted an opportunity to expand not only his studio, but show how this showroom-studio concept could work for others in the artistic community.
Installation view of ‘In Good Company’ at Fernando Mastrangelo’s new studio space
Looking to inaugurate his new showroom-studio, Mastrangelo started talking to and visiting emerging designers – people he describes as ‘off the radar’ – to commission pieces for an exhibition. ‘I gave them as much artistic freedom as I could,’ he explains. ‘I naturally gravitate toward what I like so there is an experimental thread, but it all turned into really interesting work that just exceeded my expectations.’
The resulting exhibition, ‘In Good Company’, featured objects and furnishings with a riot of unexpected materials – polyurethane, resin, melted pewter and even building insulation – but nothing felt overtly abstract. For example, Studio Giancarlo Valle created a set of hybrid armchair-settees that were awkwardly-sized and covered in contrasting textured fabrics, but compelling (and comfortable) nonetheless.
There was also Material Lust’s black polyurethane floor lamp, which had an alluring anthropomorphic charm. In other pieces, such as Facture Studio’s blue ombré resin-coated console, Slash Project’s elegant mirror with a weighty geometric marble base, and Anna Karlin’s ‘Moon Cabinets’ with hollowed out marble moons, the materials elevated the designs into something truly special.
A swirling oceanic sand painting by Mastrangelo welcomed visitors into the space, but otherwise he took a back seat, letting the artists work to their strengths and giving them 100 per cent of their sales. ‘I just wanted to give everyone the space. It’s enough to have clients and all these other people come out here and stay engaged in the design world.’
The exhibition included Material Lust’s Opioid painting, comprising rubber, plaster, wood and rope
Materials were a highlight of the show – take the compressed hardwood used in May Furniture’s ‘Sunday’ table, foreground, or the blue resin of Facture Studio’s console
A black polyurethane floor lamp by Material Lamp sits alongside sculptures by Wintercheck Factory
Floor lamps, by Joseph Algieri
Mastrangelo invited ‘off the radar’ artists, including Slash Project and Anna Karlin, to contribute
Mastrangelo’s oceanic sand painting greeted guests at the show
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Fernando Mastrangelo Studio website
ADDRESS
134 Hinsdale Street
Brooklyn
NY 11207
-
This surreal new seafood restaurant in LA is the stuff of mermaid's dreamsAt Cento Raw Bar, delectable fare is complemented by playful, oceanic interiors by Brandon Miradi
-
What’s new in the wearable world of smart glasses, and extended and augmented realityAre you ready for AR? Meta, Google, Snap and more are gearing up to compete with Apple and deliver frames-based communications devices – complete with AI integration
-
Italian-Japanese fusion’s a joy at east London’s Osteria AngelinaA Victorian warehouse in Spitalfields has been given a slick modern makeover to house a unique Italian-Japanese restaurant
-
Ralph Pucci’s new Provence exhibition celebrates sculpture in its purest formTo mark 70 years of Ralph Pucci International, the New York gallery is collaborating with top designers to bring scaled, textural forms to Château La Coste
-
New York Design Week 2025: live updates from the Wallpaper* teamNow through 21 May, design is taking over the Big Apple. Here's the latest news, launches and other goings-on from NYCxDesign, as seen by Wallpaper* editors.
-
What not to miss at NYCxDesign 2025, according to our editorsFrom mega furniture fairs to can't-miss parties, here's what to catch at North America's biggest celebration of design
-
Basic.Space launches its first IRL shopping event – in an empty West Hollywood mallWith the launch of its first in-person event in LA this weekend, the e-commerce platform is looking to bring collectible design to a whole new audience
-
Design Miami 2024 is alive with possibility: here are 14 things to seeDesign Miami 2024 opens 4-8 December – let Wallpaper* guide you to the highlights, from dazzling installations to plump sofas and anthropomorphic sculptures
-
Nendo’s collaborations with Kyoto artisans go on view in New York‘Nendo sees Kyoto’ is on view at Friedman Benda (until 15 October 2022), showcasing the design studio's collaboration with six artisans specialised in ancient Japanese crafts
-
Italian craftsmanship comes to Los Angeles in this eclectic Venice Canals apartmentBoffi Los Angeles celebrates a juxtaposition of texture throughout a waterside bolthole
-
Design Miami/Basel 2022 explores the Golden AgeDesign Miami/Basel 2022, led by curatorial director Maria Cristina Didero, offers a positive spin after the unprecedented times of the pandemic, and looks at the history and spirit of design
