Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1468548
By Steven Hempel. Photography Caylon Hackwith. D esign meets art. That has a nice ring: beautiful objects that provoke thought and wonder. This is MASA, a Mexico City–based gallery that's built a reputation for creating amazing experiences through its nomadic exhibitions. Founded by a collective of creatives — Age Salajõe, Héctor Esrawe, and Brian Thoreen, along with Isaac Bissu and Roberto Diaz — their backgrounds in art, design, and architecture can be seen in the group's work and mission. MASA's latest exhibition, "Intervención/ Intersección" in New York City, is curated by Su Wu, who has written MASA IS MALLEABLE for T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Guardian, L'Uomo Vogue, and Artforum, among others. In it, we see a blurring of the lines between the worlds of art and design and a glimpse into Mexican contemporary design. This is the first U.S. exhibition for the group, opening at Rockefeller Center as part of NYCxDesign and running through Friday, June 24. The sprawling exhibition showcases different viewpoints on design coming from our Latin neighbors. With conceptual design, collectible design, and works that inspire both thought and wonder, the exhibition spans disciplines, provokes conversation, and hints at what's to come. Artist Pia Camil's site-specific installation, Saca tus trapos al sol, is a composition of more than 700 articles of clothing, each donated by someone living in Mexico City. There are works ranging from large-scale installations (including Mario García Torres' monumental Acapulco chairs) to the sensuous polished bronze sculptures of Alma Allen and the symbolic objects by José Davilá. This exhibition takes guests on a journey that spans cultures, materials, and meanings. It's also an opportunity to see some of the collective's best work from its formative years. Book your appointment at mmaassaa.com to see it in person. From le: Frida Escobedo, Pia Camil, José Dávila From le : Mario García Torres, Ana Pellicer, Frida Escobedo 20