Mercado Moderno presents Manimal by Mameluca Studio

Manimal is the result of Mameluca Studio’s observations of the Brazilian birds joão de barro, joão graveto, and tecelões, known as “the weaver birds,” who use natural detritus––mud, sticks, and leaves––to build their nests. The Rio de Janeiro–based designers’ installation of three nest-like structures made of reclaimed wood, bulrush fibers, cardboard pulp, reused fishing nets, and other materials contrasts our creation and disposal of waste products with the birds’ reliance on natural debris, thus proposing new hierarchies around notions of waste.