Marcus Manganni’s work uses refracted light and the language of architecture to question and critique American Institutions, particularly the American carceral industry. He is known for innovative, site-specific installations that confront mass incarceration.
Manganni’s current practice began during his time in solitary confinement, spending 34 days in complete isolation after being forced to engage in a fight. During that time, he used carceral materials such as metallic bags from commissary potato chips to bounce and refract a sliver of natural light in his cell. He created sun maps and traced the way the light moved across the floors and walls. As this light scattered and reacted to intervention, Manganni was able to explore his physical and social isolation. He began to understand the role light and space played in his trauma. He continues to use light as a means of exploring systems of hierarchy and oppression.
Manganni’s works have been recently exhibited in New York, Miami and Aspen. He was selected as a presenting artist by the Ford Foundation and was awarded a 2023 Art 4 Justice Fellowship and a 2022 Right of Return Fellowship. Manganni’s work is in private and public collections across the United States.
Manganni’s current practice began during his time in solitary confinement, spending 34 days in complete isolation after being forced to engage in a fight. During that time, he used carceral materials such as metallic bags from commissary potato chips to bounce and refract a sliver of natural light in his cell. He created sun maps and traced the way the light moved across the floors and walls. As this light scattered and reacted to intervention, Manganni was able to explore his physical and social isolation. He began to understand the role light and space played in his trauma. He continues to use light as a means of exploring systems of hierarchy and oppression.
Manganni’s works have been recently exhibited in New York, Miami and Aspen. He was selected as a presenting artist by the Ford Foundation and was awarded a 2023 Art 4 Justice Fellowship and a 2022 Right of Return Fellowship. Manganni’s work is in private and public collections across the United States.