MARCANTONIO
The art of lighting
Known for a multidisciplinary focus that combines design, art and nature, Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba is an Italian artist and designer with a distinctive style that combines aesthetics and storytelling.
In A Bright Idea, his first collaboration with Lladró, Marcantonio explores once again the relationship between nature and artificiality, often with a surreal and ironic touch. With this in mind, he has reimagined the classic glass bulb, a universal symbol of creativity and illumination, into a unique and sustainable work of art.
Where do you draw the line between art and design? And how do you see their connection?
If we’re talking about definitions, the practical function of design definitely distinguishes it from art. However, personally, I don’t make a distinction. What I do is try to find the artistic aspect in design and make functional what I contemplate. This is the connection between the two disciplines. Whether it’s art or design, what strikes me is the magical object—something special, unique, with a story, an idea, and intrinsic meaning. An object that, for the person who owns it or can truly see it, has a value far beyond its market price. This magic can belong to both design and art. Of course, certain artistic works can be very interesting and sophisticated, but even the simplest everyday object can express poetry or have a rare insight.
How would you define your creative style? And what is your main source of inspiration?
I would define my style as Dolce (sweet) because I always try to respect the initial subject, Ironico (ironic) because I always try to be positive and bring a smile, Ideale (ideal) because I strive to use a style and references that are understandable to everyone, and Artistico (artistic) because I always aim to surprise, starting with myself. I’m a lover of nature, and I often use natural subjects in my projects. I like the idea of representing animal or plant forms that can become objects to have in the home.
What was the process like for creating a collection such as A Bright Idea, which reinterprets fundamental natural forms like leaves and feathers?
A Bright Idea was born from the desire to reinterpret the icon of lighting—the classic light bulb—which is an object deeply embedded in our imagination.
To what extent does the choice of material influence your creative process? Has your perception of porcelain changed after collaborating with Lladró?
Obviously, each material has its own characteristics, and it’s normal to consider them during the design phase. Alternatively, once a project is complete, you can evaluate which material would be best for its realization. To create A Bright Idea, porcelain is the perfect material. It is technically faithful and pure, ideal for propagating light while highlighting the different textures on the surface. It could only be made by a company that truly masters porcelain work, like Lladró.
Were you familiar with the brand before working on A Bright Idea?
Of course. As a sculptor, I have always observed Lladró’s craftsmanship. What has always amazed me is that in their production, there are no compromises; the shapes and details stay true to form. Very often, in other porcelain productions, modifications are made to simplify molds and processes, but this somewhat undermines the purity of the project. With Lladró, that is not the case. Their production is crafted with the standards of a work of art.
Light bulbs are a recurring element in your work. What is your connection with light? What would your ideal light bulb look like? And the perfect one for one of your lamps?
Yes, I must say that I really like lamps. They are objects that have life; they have two states—on and off—and they change a lot from one to the other, which attracts me. Additionally, the light source can create an interesting atmosphere. I like the light bulb because it’s a pop subject, known by everyone, and I also find it to be a beautiful object. The shape of the classic light bulb seems perfect in itself! I would love to find an extremely small light source so that I could satisfy any creative need.
A Bright Idea consists of two designs: Oak Leaf Bulb and Feather Bulb. What led you to choose these specific forms?
As I mentioned before, I am a nature lover. Celebrating nature means celebrating ourselves, as it is where we come from, and we must respect it in order to respect ourselves. I believe nature is like a great mother; animals and plants come from the same family. Seeing feathers and leaves together in the same project reminds me of this connection to the natural world, and by observing them, we can also notice a similarity in their shapes.
