Contemporary Alla Terra Sculpture in Aluminium by Altreforme

From his Puppy Pouffe lounge chair resembling a shaggy Puli dog to a 13-foot tall handmade giraffe sculpture in fiberglass holding a classic Marie-Thérèse-style chandelier, the whimsical chairs, table lamps and decorative objects created by MARCANTONIO mix originality, humor, mystery and functionality, with a dash of irony for good measure.

Born Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba in 1976 in Massa Lombarda, the artist and designer studied at the Severini Art Institute and Academy of Fine Arts in Ravenna. While there, he explored the relationship between irony and nature — two recurring themes in his works — and developed a fascination with artists such as René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. 

Following graduation, MARCANTONIO collaborated with architects and worked in theater production before delving into art and furniture design. In 2010, he exhibited his series of Sprout chairs at the Salone del Mobile, which garnered critical acclaim and gained the attention of other ultra-modernist designers such as Mogg, Qeeboo, Natuzzi and Altreforme. MARCANTONIO has also engaged in several fruitful partnerships, notably with Italian design brand Seletti — for which he created his iconic anatomically correct heart-shaped vase — and Scarlet Splendour, manufacturer of his caricatural Forest chair, which is part of his Vegetal Animal series.

Although MARCANTONIO’s designs border on Surrealist and dreamlike, his pieces suggest a sense of “elegant irony.” His coffee tables, floor lamps, cabinets and other objects and furnishings, which feature intricate inlays and chic colors, are made with materials such as suede, brass and fine wool, and strike a balance between luxurious and amusing.

MARCANTONIO’s works have been exhibited at art galleries and shows throughout Europe. His pieces have also been featured in several major international publications such as Architectural Digest, GQ, Marie Claire, ELLE and Vanity Fair.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of MARCANTONIO seating, tables and lighting.

altreforme is an Italian company that produces collections of high-end and contemporary taste furniture and accessories made in Italy, and made to measure projects mainly made of aluminium, aimed at those who like to stand out, choosing to surround themselves with original and refined, but also environmentally friendly products. altreforme was founded in 2008 as an ambitious diversification project of Fontana Group, since 1956 the world leader in the design and production of luxury cars aluminium bodies, including Ferrari and Rolls Royce. altreforme has won major international awards as the Elle Decor Design Award, and every year, in the prestigious context of Salone del Mobile in Milan, presents new exclusive collections. The catalog collections are signed by famous designers and archi-star: Aziz Sariyer, Marco Piva, Garilab, Elena Cutolo, Antonio Aricò, Serena Confalonieri, Marcantonio, Alessandro Zambelli, Zanellato/Bortotto and by two extravagant Fashion brands like Yazbukey and Moschino.