Mircea Anghel emphasises resilience and renewal with 'Out of the Fire'

Out of the Fire is a captivating design exhibition celebrating 10 years of works by Mircea Anghel, an internationally recognised artist and designer based in Portugal. Hosted at the Objects with Narratives gallery in Brussels, Belgium, the solo exhibition explores the transformative power of fire, through the presented works of wooden furniture and sculptures including the 'Out of the fire' bench (2024) and the Low Table (2023), that have been burned to reveal their raw, elemental beauty.

The self-taught designer, who places woodworking at the core of his practice, is known for his dedication to honest and natural processes. Through this process, Anghel highlights themes of resilience and renewal, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate interplay between destruction and creation in his evocative works. In contrast, the second space showcases some of his more celebrated product designs, crafted from materials such as stone, wood, copper, leather and fabrics. This contrast underscores the furniture designer's expertise in both raw, elemental processes and refined craftsmanship, fostering a rich dialogue between the two.

As the founder of Cabana Studio, Anghel's larger oeuvre celebrates natural processes, through furniture designs handcrafted from materials that are either salvaged from storms or responsibly sourced. Found globally, these materials carry a unique story, which Anghel thoughtfully nurtures in his creations. Originally from Romania, Anghel graduated from the Lisbon School of Economics and Management. He worked at a hedge fund before pursuing his passion for collectible design, and is now based at Herdade da Barrosinha in the Alentejo region of Portugal.