MIDDELBURG.- Vleeshal presents Alloy Alloy, a solo exhibition by Adriano Amaral (1982, Brazil). This is the first institutional solo presentation of Amaral’s work in the Netherlands.

Amaral’s work is marked by an in-depth examination into the nature of things that surround us. The relationship between the human body and architecture as closed and simultaneously porous entities form the basis of his artistic enquiry. In his work various materials and states of matter intermingle. Natural elements such as water, light, air and coal encounter artificial products like silicone, clothing, aluminium, machine fragments and concrete. These contrasting materials and substances are often employed to evoke connections with, or act as stand-ins for, parts of the human body.

In the fields of science and physics, an ‘alloy’ refers to a mixture of metals, or a metal made by bonding metal with another element. At Vleeshal Zusterstraat a series of new works embedded within an overall spatial concept create similarly unexpected fusions between humans, materials and architecture. A black- violet reflective platform constructed from solar panels is a central component of the installation, also acting as a pedestal for the other works on display. A doubling, as expressed in the title ‘Alloy Alloy’, can be seen in many of these sculpture pairings. Constructed from diverse materials including shoes, bones, oxygen cylinders and ultra-sound gel these sculptures also respond to our own sets of pairs – two arms, two legs, two feet.

Alloy Alloy is the final exhibition at Vleeshal Zusterstraat. Since 1998, the Vleeshal has also organized an ambitious exhibitions program at this location. Unfortunately, after 19 years it is no longer financially viable for Vleeshal to continue to do so.

Alloy Alloy at Vleeshal Zusterstraat is curated by Roos Gortzak. A previous iteration of this exhibition was presented at Bielefelder Kunstverein, curated by Thomas Thiel. This exhibition was co-commissioned with Bielefelder Kunstverein.