MAREMAGNVM: A Floridian Odyssey/Una Odisea en la Florida is currently on view at the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa, FL. Curated by Christian Viveros-Fauné, this exhibition is free and open to the public from August 24th through October 26th, Monday through Friday (12 PM - 6 PM) with special hours on Saturdays (12 PM - 4 PM).
Evolution of Mad Arts: From Informal Beginnings to a Hub of Artistic Innovation
In 2021, Mad Arts began to take shape as a formal space dedicated to empowering artists, building on a legacy of informal support and mentorship from Marc Aptakin, who had previously provided free studio space to artists. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that Mad Arts fully realized its mission, working with artists to give them access to the manufacturing capabilities of Mad, the agency, and the technological resources of our parent company, MadLabs.
MAREMAGNVM: A Panoramic Exploration of the Human Migration Experience
One of the first major projects supported by Mad Arts was MAREMAGNVM, a compelling work created by artist Edison Peñafiel. MAREMAGNVM transforms the gallery space into a stylized, monochromatic sea filled with 14 boats, each inhabited by larger-than-life characters frozen in moments of perpetual motion. The installation cycles every 30 minutes, creating an endless loop of arrival and departure, underscored by an ambient cello composition that amplifies the scene's emotional weight.
Peñafiel's vision was ambitious, combining drawing, video, and animation into a 12-channel video installation. These characters, representing men, women, the elderly, and pregnant individuals, stand stoically on boats constructed from found materials like wood, oil drums, and tires, evoking real-life scenes of migration across treacherous waters. The installation serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis faced by millions who flee war, instability, and climate change.
The name MAREMAGNVM, derived from the Latin for "Great Sea," references the Mediterranean but also touches on the sea's deeper, darker associations with fear and danger across various cultures. The work doesn't focus on a single event or wave of migration; instead, it broadens the viewer's perspective to encapsulate the entire migrant experience, reflecting the all-encompassing struggle of crossing borders in our times.
Through its immersive and expansive design, MAREMAGNVM confronts viewers with the grim reality of our present and future, where rising waters and increasing instability will displace countless more people from their homes.
Collaborating with Edison Peñafiel: A Journey of Artistic and Technical Exploration
Edison Peñafiel was one of the first artists to collaborate with Mad Arts, marking a turning point in how we work with artists and approach our projects. While Edison brought his unique artistic vision and storytelling to MAREMAGNVM, Mad Arts played a crucial role in supporting the project’s technical and manufacturing needs, leveraging the expertise and resources of MadLabs to bring the installation to life.
MadLabs provided the essential technological support needed to realize Peñafiel’s ambitious vision, pushing the boundaries of contemporary installations. The combination of video mapping, animation, and 360-degree experiences required overcoming significant technical challenges, which MadLabs helped navigate successfully.
Peñafiel expressed that working with MadLabs allowed him “to explore new possibilities in blending art and technology. Their expertise made it feasible to turn a 12-channel video installation into reality, pushing my work into new territories like video mapping and a 360-degree experience.”
Mad Labs’ involvement was about more than just providing technology; it was about pushing artistic boundaries and exploring the potential of site-specific installations.
According to Peñafiel, the partnership “brought a shared commitment to innovation,” with MadLabs providing critical technological support and creative insight, highlighting the power of collaboration in breaking new ground. “Our collaboration, spanning from Madrid to IGNITE, and now at USFCAM, helped evolve the project both technically and creatively," he continued.
Peñafiel shared that the installation "posed unique challenges with its 12-screen animation and more than 100 layers of video.” Its complexity required a robust and flexible technological approach. MadLabs managed the project’s intricacies, ensuring “all elements were precisely executed” to meet the high standards expected by our presenting venues.
Statement from the Artist
“Peñafiel's works unravel the complex tapestry of our world, highlighting the relentless cycles of history and politics. His immersive installations reflect the struggles faced by the marginalized and reveal the hidden workings of power structures.
Using a variety of mediums, from sculpture to animation, Peñafiel creates experiences that confront viewers with the paradoxes of contemporary life. By blending projection and physical elements, he blurs the line between reality and illusion, encouraging audiences to engage with the tangible consequences of our shared existence.
Drawing from the aesthetics of German Expressionism and the omnipresence of surveillance, Peñafiel's visual language captures the anxieties of modern society. Distorted lines and angles symbolize oppressive forces like bureaucracy, control over movement, and dehumanizing labor practices.
Peñafiel's installations go beyond passive observation. They amplify the voices of the marginalized, urging viewers to question norms, embrace new perspectives, and engage in a dialogue about the intricate web of human experiences caught in the cycles of history and power.”
Looking Forward: Expanding the Vision of Mad Arts
Mad Arts continues to evolve as a vibrant platform where art, technology, and innovation intersect. Our journey with projects like MAREMAGNVM demonstrates our commitment to providing artists with the resources and expertise they need to bring their visions to life. As we move forward, we are excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the art world, driven by our collaborations with talented artists like Edison Peñafiel and the cutting-edge capabilities of MadLabs.
MAREMAGNVM stands as a testament to what can be achieved when an artist's vision meets the technical and manufacturing support of a dedicated team. As we reflect on our growth since 2021, we remain dedicated to fostering a space where artists can explore, create, and inspire.
