One of the most prominent designers, who often shocks with his extravagant and uncompromising approach to the art of creating furniture and home accessories, is Marcantonio. If, like us, you are interested in design and interior decoration, and want to learn more about this extraordinary artist, continue reading and discover the world of the Italian designer.
Who is Marcantonio?
In deciding to present the profile of Marcantonio, it is essential to emphasize from the very beginning that he is an unconventional artist who, through his projects, not only expresses himself but also brings a unique style to the interiors of people around the world.
Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba (which is his full name) was born in 1976 in Italy, specifically in Massalombarda.
The beginnings of Marcantonio's career
Marcantonio has always felt a strong connection to art, which led him to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ravenna. Although his career path initially leaned towards theatrical acting, Marcantonio quickly discovered a profound passion for creating design projects. At the same time, he also developed his sculpting skills, crafting increasingly complex structures.
Marcantonio's Inspirations
Even during his first steps in the field of design, it was clear that his greatest inspiration, as well as the theme he most often explored, is nature and its relationship with humanity. Marcantonio values the influence of nature on the surrounding reality and is not afraid to showcase it in his bold works. The accompanying theme of nature is the dynamics and speed of changes occurring within it. The essence of Marcantonio's creations is not straightforward, and their interpretation is not the easiest; however, it can confidently be assumed that in his most popular designs, he has incorporated the theme of change and transience, which do not always have to be associated with something negative.
When asked about his motivation for creating his unique products, Marcantonio has repeatedly stated that his work mainly involves recreating the playfulness he loved in childhood. The artist envisions objects that he then creates himself. This is how his great adventure began, the results of which we can admire today.
What characterizes Marcantonio's designs?
As mentioned, Marcantonio highly values his connection with the natural environment. His works strive to mimic reality in a way that best captures its beauty. — Based on this, one could conclude that Marcantonio's designs touch on realism; however, it is also important to emphasize that his work is full of modern solutions and innovative ideas that definitely depart from the classical assumptions characteristic of the realism movement.
Furniture and accessories designed by Marcantonio may initially seem controversial, but after a few moments, their beauty and references to the surrounding world reach the audience with doubled intensity.
Below you will find a brief overview of the most popular designs by Marcantonio, which will help illustrate what exactly his art is based on.
The Turtle Carry Collection
Turtle Carry is a multifunctional turtle sculpture that captures the attention of even the most discerning functional art connoisseurs. Thanks to the elegant cushion placed on the turtle's shell, Turtle Carry can be used both as decoration, stool, as well as a mini table for holding essential items. Interestingly, Turtle Carry also serves beautifully as a designer book stand.
Marcantonio creates designs inspired not only by the broad spectrum of plant life but also by animals and even the human body. His innovative turtle sculpture, however, is not associated with anything unappealing. It is not an extravagant vision understood only by the artist; on the contrary, the smiling turtle represents a completely new approach to designing interior decor elements. The elegant form and the way the animal sculpture is presented make it hard not to smile at the sight of the turtle.
Turtle Carry lamp and pouf from the same collection make the perfect duo for lovers of bold design
Mouse Lamp
The Mouse collection is hard to characterize with a single product, as it consists of a series of funny lamps, with a base of mice holding a light bulb in their paws. Depending on the specific product from the collection, the realistically sculpted mice are in different positions, which only enhances the extraordinary impression that the Mouse lamp leaves on the viewer.
Decorative Mouse lamp will not only lift your spirits but also illuminate your desk or windowsill
Sherwood Lamp
Another example that interestingly illustrates the significance of animal motifs in Marcantonio's work is the designer lamp Sherwood created for the brand Queeboo. Sherwood is, in fact, a sculpture of a deer equipped with a lighting installation placed on its antlers. An interesting touch is the addition of decorative elements in the form of crystal beads aimed at giving the entire structure elegance and style. Thanks to this feature, Sherwood fits perfectly into glamour, modern classic, and eclectic styles.
When talking about Sherwood, it is essential to highlight the versatility of this product - it can serve as both a decoration and a lighting element. With its impressive size, Sherwood makes it hard to pass by without noticing it. The lamp is available in three colors: white, black, and green.
The striking Sherwood lamp in the shape of a deer straight out of a fairy tale
Filicudi Chair
Marcantonio loves nature, and this is evident in his works - the famous chair Filicudi, designed by him, is a perfect example of how much attention he pays to every detail. Designer chair Filicudi evokes a Mediterranean, holiday atmosphere. This chair is perfect for the dining room., as well as for living room., as its unconventional appearance allows it to also serve as a designerof the armchair.. The inspiration for this project came from the pads of a cactus, which is evident, for example, in the impressive seat that forms a cohesive whole with the frame and backrest.
The characteristic shapes of the succulent in question have been designed to not only be as accurate a reflection of reality as possible but also to be a comfortable everyday product. The seat of the chair is perfectly tailored to the needs of the human body, making it truly comfortable to use.
Chair Filicudi resembles the pads of a cactus in its shape.
Decorative lamp My Little Holiday
The My Little Holiday lamp is an element that still maintains the standard theme typical of Marcantonio, yet its form slightly deviates from the previously discussed products. In this case, we are dealing with a romantic vision of tropical relaxation, enclosed in a glass dome. Marcantonio claims that the inspiration for this project was to capture the carefree spirit and relaxation that accompany paradise vacations.
Inside the dome, there are palm trees, sand, a house floating on water, and even hammocks. — All of this together creates an intriguing microcosm that you can return to every time you decide to delve into the decorative lamp My Little Holiday. According to Marcantonio, people need rest and a proverbial slowdown; his answer to these needs was the creation of the table lamp My Little Holiday.
The decorative lamp My Little Holiday is part of an extraordinary series of lamps.
Lamp My Moon
If you've ever pondered the iconic question, 'how to steal the moon,' Marcantonio comes with a ready solution. My Moon is a designer lamp of substantial size that will transport you straight to the moon. With its unique shape and unconventional appearance, My Moon fits perfectly into your bedroom, hallway, or even your living room. — It's up to you to decide where you want to place it.
My Moon is not just an ordinary lamp. — This is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted in every detail to best reflect the real moon. Evidence of this can be seen in the structure of the lamp and the placement of the bulb, which illuminates the central point of the product, allowing beams of light to spread naturally into every nook and cranny.
The extraordinary My Moon lamp is perfect for both home and garden.
Rio Lamp
Another decorative lamp inspired by the animal world is Rio, a charming Jack Russell terrier holding a decorative light in its mouth. An interesting fact about this product is that Rio is not just a lamp created to enhance the decor of your home, but also a family friend!
Yes, you heard it right, Rio was created based on a real dog. This makes all the details in the body and expression of the sculpture seem even more realistic. The white sculpture complemented by golden accents fits together perfectly, creating an impression of a flawless whole. The unique lamp is perfect for both animal lovers' homes and for those who appreciate unconventional design.
The decorative Rio lamp reflects a dog of the Jack Russell terrier breed.
Peacock Lamp
Realism combined with a touch of modernity? That's exactly what the designer lamp Peacock is, an incredibly precise sculpture of a peacock made of brass, equipped with a neon letter 'P'. The white lamp Peacock is a handcrafted piece by Marcantonio, who, despite his popularity, isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
The process of producing the sculpture is based on handcrafting a form characterized by extraordinary precision and attention to detail, followed by creating a brass-wax cast. After completing all the aforementioned steps, the sculpture is meticulously polished to look as good as possible. The decorative lamp Peacock is part of the Instinct Illumination collection.
White Peacock Lamp in an extraordinary arrangement
Monkey Lamp
The handcrafted decorative lamp Monkey will amaze you with its precision. Monkey is a collection consisting of several lamps depicting a monkey in three positions. Each monkey holds an LED bulb, making the sculptures also serve as functional lamps.
Marcantonio emphasizes that while creating lamps, he envisioned a clever monkey stealing a light bulb. The designer aimed to capture the moment when the animal's body would be in the position best suited to the context, while also looking natural. The inspiration for the designer lamp Monkey comes from the complex relationship between humans and other species, based on similarities and differences.
The charming Monkey lamp is available in various poses and colors.
Giraffe In Love Lamp
An interesting option for fans of unconventional solutions is the Girrafle In Love lamp created in various sizes. The majestic giraffe holds a chandelier in the style of Maria Theresa in a miniature version. The ability to customize the size of the designer lamp will help tailor it to individual preferences. Currently, Girrafe In Love is available in four options:
- M - it stands 2.65 meters tall. It will fit in almost any home.
- XL - it is a life-size replica of a giraffe. The sculpture reaches up to 4 meters in height. Great for both outdoors and high spaces.
- XS- definitely smaller than its predecessors, as it is only 100 centimeters tall. An interesting decor element that will fit into any room.
- Wall lamp - this is the wall-mounted version of the Giraffe In Love sculpture.
The stunning Giraffe In Love decorative lamp is available in several sizes.
Bird Lamp
Although we have already said almost everything about lamps, Marcantonio continues to surprise with increasingly elaborate designs that replicate nearly every detail. The avant-garde Bird lamp is another project that is hard to overlook. The Bird Lamp collection includes three ravens, each captured in completely different positions. Each one holds a light bulb that will illuminate your path and give your space a unique, and sometimes even dark, design.
Thanks to its timeless motif of classic ravens, the Bird lamp has gained immense popularity; however, it is the quality of craftsmanship and the materials used to create these charming sculptures that have earned the Bird lamp critical acclaim.
The decorative Bird lamp replicates the shape of a raven with remarkable precision.
Kintsugi Tableware
However, Marcantonio is not only about decorative lamps with animal motifs. Among his impressive artistic portfolio, one can also find beautiful tableware, maintained in a classic style with a delicate twist. The Kintsugi tableware includes plates, platters, bowls, mugs, and even cups with matching small plates. All elements are characterized by being styled as imperfect.
Their design refers to the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi — the extraordinary art of repairing pottery, which Marcantonio used to create the designer tableware. The author applied the art of Kintsugi to prove that nature is unpredictable and creates connections that no one expected. All elements of the tableware combine different styles, and their unique bonding is represented by golden elements that define the boundaries.
The Kintsugi collection consists of many elements, such as cups, plates, or bowls.
Lamp Jurassic
Let's return for a moment to the lamps designed by Marcantonio and turn our eyes to the decorative lamp Jurassic. Jurassic captivates with its unusual theme and interesting idea of placing the light bulbs. — They represent the crown or a kind of mane of the dinosaur.
Just like with the designer lamp Bird or the Monkey lamp, here we also have dinosaur sculptures in various positions. With such variety, you can choose which dinosaur appeals to you the most.
The decorative Jurassic lamp features an original dinosaur sculpture.
Vase Love In Bloom
Love In Bloom is an anatomical representation of a heart in the form of vase. The perfectly preserved shape and precise craftsmanship create the impression that when looking at the decorative vase Love In Bloom, it feels like a real heart. The arteries and main veins emerging from the heart are actually openings for flowers. Love In Bloom is a perfect gift for your significant other or someone who appreciates unique design.
The decorative Love In Bloom vase impresses with its precision craftsmanship.
Where can you find furniture and accessories designed by Marcantonio?
Currently, Marcantonio mainly creates on behalf of external brands, such as Queeboo, or Seletti. However, there are products that are exclusively signed with his name. When discussing brands that collaborate with an outstanding designer like Marcantonio, it's important to highlight the fundamental differences between the styles and themes that distinguish them. Although at first glance it may seem that both brands we mentioned have nearly identical assumptions, goals, and even a similar target audience, below you will find a few differences that we decided to emphasize.
Queeboo - unique design from world-class designers
Queeboo is a brand producing designer furniture and home accessories, bringing together world-renowned designers (including Marcantonio). The main feature of their products is the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energy - which is evident in the patterns that the brand Queeboo decided to incorporate in her latest collection.
Among the most frequently appearing motifs, you can find animals (including rabbits and forest creatures). It's also worth noting that the products from this brand come in a very wide range of colors, primarily aimed at bringing interiors to life.
Bold combinations, both in terms of color and form, mean that with each passing day, Marcantonio gains recognition and an ever-growing fan base.
Seletti - Italian design with a touch of avant-garde
Classic and modern — there are no better words to describe the brand Seletti. This brand primarily draws on iconic, historical patterns presented in a completely new light. The main theme of Seletti is evolution and the process aimed at showcasing the mechanism of change. Thanks to this innovative approach, Seletti is now one of the most esteemed brands in interior design.
Just like with Queeboo, it's also easy to find animal motifs by Marcantonio here.
If you liked the designs of Marcantonio that we presented in this article, explore the other items by him available in our store.
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