We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcus Manganni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawing and painting ever sense I was able to hold a brush. After school, the decision to pursue my career happened during my incarceration due to symptoms of a mental health condition. A small window distant from my cell would cast passing light directly in. I created multiple structures with tooth paste, toilet paper and the reflective inside of potato chip bags to reflect and refract the light exploring my physical confinement. It allowed me to hold onto the outside world for a longer stint of time. Now free I use that same light within all my works, it’s boundless and from our beginnings has always been a true universal language.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A consistent in my work is the focus on the American value system. I often use refurbished throw away material from big budget corporate events to create works that display what we value, what we invest in, and what we regard as disposable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Atlanta the High Museum of Art, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, The King Center, and the Belt Line.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Nico Tran, Amber Ibarreche, Brandon Donahue, JG, Matthew Chambers at Brackett Creek Exhibitions, Dustin and Lina with Channel to Channel, Jon Sewell with the Packing Plant, Allison with Foundry LIC, Noni and Robin,  Jamie Creel with MOCAN , Whitney Hardy with 3rd Space, and many more

Instagram: instagram.com/mecosroman

Image Credits
Ngoclan Tran

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.