"Art forms the basis of all my work. In the realm of architecture as well as design it helps me find concrete solutions to functional and practical problems."
(Marcello Morandini, 2006)
The square, the circle and the triangle – these basic geometric shapes are the starting point for Marcello Morandini's work, which bridges the worlds of art and design. With mathematical precision he creates two- and three-dimensional works of art, architecture and design that have great aesthetic appeal despite – or indeed because of – their systematic approach and logical consistency.
Morandini had his first taste of success with his Constructivist/Concrete art, which at times comes close to Op art, at the biennials in Sao Paolo and Venice in the 1960s, and later at the 1977 documenta in Kassel. Over a period of two decades he created a series of art objects in cooperation with the manufacturing company Rosenthal, along with designs for porcelain tableware, glasses and cutlery. Morandini also designed furniture, rugs, lamps and plastic products for other companies including Sawaya & Moroni, Vorwerk, Brendel and Magis.
Since the 1980s, the Varese-based artist has also worked on architectural projects; these have included designing facades for two of Rosenthal's company buildings, skyscrapers in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as well as a number of projects in public spaces.
For many years Marcello Morandini has been systematically investigating the transformation of rhythmical structures without the aid of computers. Despite the strict design rules he imposes upon himself, Morandini achieves extraordinary variety in the creation of black-and-white surfaces, reliefs and structures that allow us to experience his distinctive visual world.
Morandini has been crossing borders in the fine arts, architecture and design for almost half a century. The breadth of his creative scope is not only an impressive characteristic of his work, it also reflects the artist's understanding of his craft – an integrated approach that takes on particular significance in a museum of art and design.