MARINA HACHEM’S ALCHEMICAL PAIRS AT CASA TRIÂNGULO

Everything that is born is likewise everything that will die. At first, this seems to be the message whispered by this new group of works presented by artist Marina Hachem (São Paulo, 1993). Through an artistic practice that extends beyond the two-dimensional plane, Hachem creates works with a strong sculptural presence and intention.

At first glance, perhaps curiosity about the formal dimension is what initially attracts one to Marina Hachem's works. Through a distinctive process that starts at the pictorial plane – smooth, pristine and still virgin of meaning – Hachem combines the use of materials that at first seem disparate, unfamiliar with each other, but which then become something like alchemical pairs, perfectly matched materials.

The artist begins her ingenious process using woodworking machinery to reinforce an unequivocal and evident sculptural dimension of these works. By cutting and manipulating the wooden surfaces – akin to a method for drawing on this material – the artist sculpts forms that evoke an endless array of images derived from her own imagination or from photographic references and other sources.

The second stage unavoidably involves fire. By burning these sculpted wooden reliefs, the artist imbues them with robust black tones, which are then bathed in unconventional materials such as grease and wax, resulting in a polished finish with nearly startling highlights on the dark tones.

Finally, a layer of grout, a specific type of concrete commonly used in civil construction, is applied to the surface in the interstices between the raised forms. As in all the art she has produced, here the artist carries out the complex task of removing the material from its original state of rawness. To this end, she works with the distinct shades of gray that shimmer on the surface of the concrete, imparting a visually poetic quality.

At this moment, like visitors to a future archaeological site within the exhibition space, viewers stop focusing on the formal aspects of her works. Although initially one’s fascination is captured by Hachem's masterful skill in combining materials from diverse origins to achieve an artistically refined result, viewers can now yield to the delight of the metaphysical/metaphorical appreciation of everything that surrounding this exhibition.

Marina Hachem's work transcends conventional categories, fluidly moving between drawing, painting, object, sculpture, and installation. Utilizing robust materials such as cement, grout, wire, bricks, and wood, her pieces often emanate a raw aesthetic, evoking a sense of ruin.

Between roots and ruins. Solo exhibition by Marina Hachem.

Until august 3, 2024.

Casa Triângulo. Rua Estados Unidos 1324. São Paulo, Brazil.