Swatch Faces 2022: Marcelot

Marcelot works with ‘pre-ideas’ of objects and their symbolic value, as he sees the meaning of a symbol as not universal or fixed. He not only paints, draws, photographs, and makes sculptures – he also creates his own specific means of artistic expression to achieve his aims. In other words: for him the intention is important, and the medium is secondary – but remains within the realms of aesthetic expression. In his current project ‘Ancient of Today’, he uses newspaper as a medium. In his words: “Newspaper is information, and information is power”. The technique of processing newspaper, which he created himself, is unique.

His work is often inspired by contrasts and challenges: here, his bust of Napoleon, who put an end to the Republic of Venice at the end of the 18th century, is seen in opposition the Lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice.

This sculpture, which has been especially created for this exhibition, is made from newspapers of Venice and refined Venetian fabrics selected from the Rubelli collection.