Marc Barold | The Opening Slide Mirror

Marc Barold is a Sydney-based contemporary artist renowned for his expansive sculptural creations. His artistic vision is deeply rooted in the interplay between natural phenomena and human innovation, with a particular focus on the dynamic convergence of organic and synthetic elements.

Driven by a fascination with the ever-shifting patterns of our world, Barold's oeuvre is a testament to his exploration of the symbiotic relationship between nature and artifice. His signature aesthetic, characterised by sweeping, fluid forms, seeks to evoke a sense of both familiarity and otherworldliness—a concept he terms as 'Future Nature'.

In his latest series, Barold juxtaposes organic structures with meticulously applied reflective surfaces, inviting viewers to engage with his sculptures in a spatial dialogue enriched by light and shadow. This innovative approach underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of form and perception.

Barold's artistic journey began at the age of 13, culminating in his graduation with honors in Sculpture from the College of Fine Arts at UNSW in 1997. That same year, he garnered acclaim by clinching the top prize at Bondi's prestigious Sculpture by the Sea event. Subsequently, he pursued studies in Film Art Direction and Design at AFTRS, laying the groundwork for a distinguished international career in production design and fabrication.

Over the past two decades, Barold's work in production design has exerted a profound influence on his artistic practice, with each realm informing and enriching the other. Drawing upon cutting-edge materials and fabrication techniques, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation, seamlessly integrating elements of fine art, design, technology, and the natural world into his distinct aesthetic vocabulary.