![Close up of Maria Pergay drape cabinet with a metal reveal , safety detail, and undulating wood veneer](https://img.artlogic.net/w_246,h_180,c_lfill/exhibit-e/56d6d38084184e03128b4568/855c622ed1dd96556a08614ddd6ceac8.jpeg)
Maria Pergay
Secret Cube, 2013
Stainless steel, copper and bronze leaves, LED lighting
20.63 H x 21.75 x 20.88 inches
52.4 H x 55.2 x 53 cm
Edition of 8
HIDDEN TREASURES | Maria Pergay | Secret Cube, 2013
Secret Cube is a perfect example of harmonizing masculine and feminine characteristics in Pergay’s work— strong steel box and a garden inside.
Each leaf was treated individually: hand-cut from brass and copper sheets; hammered, sculpted, and filed to replicate Pergay's sketches; patinated using a secret formula to achieve the deep red tones; and finally positioned one by one on the branches to heighten light reflection.
Pergay drew inspiration from a variety of botanical sources, and the final product is deceptively naturalistic. She has commingled parts of different plant species—exotic flowers, oak leaves, and fern-like fronds—to make a tree unlike anything found in nature.