Daniel Steegmann Mangrané Befriending the Mountains, 2025

The work Befriending the Mountains is from Steegmann Mangrané's series of colored aluminium curtains with differently shaped passageways made from Kriska aluminium chains. Widely used in Spain, Kriska curtains can function as flexible screens for entryways. They are light, often brightly colored and make a characteristic metallic sound when the chains touch.

The forms cut into the curtains have no direct references but relate to the artist's idea of "model forms," familiar but non-specific shapes. The "continuation" of the aluminium chains below the openings appears counterintuitive, adding an element of surprise. Oscillating between appearing as diaphanous screen and semi-solid object, the curtains are both indications of a transition (meant to be traversed, marking the end of one space and the beginning of the next) as well as sculptural objects, existing in a hybrid state between corporeality and immateriality.