Inside the World of Sabine Marcelis: 5 Iconic Pieces You Can’t Miss
Inside the World of Sabine Marcelis: 5 Iconic Pieces You Can’t Miss
Inside the World of Sabine Marcelis: 5 Iconic Pieces You Can’t Miss
Sabine Marcelis is a Dutch designer renowned for her exploration of light, colour and materiality, crafting objects and installations that transcend traditional design boundaries. Her minimalist forms often incorporate materials like resin, glass and stone, manipulated to interact dynamically with their environments through transparency, reflection, and opacity.
Marcelis describes her work as an “investigation of light, how it can create effects and atmospheres”, aiming to evoke emotional responses and challenge perceptions of space and form.
By collaborating closely with industry specialists, she intervenes in manufacturing processes to achieve innovative visual effects, resulting in pieces that blur the line between art and function. Her creations, ranging from sculptural furniture to immersive installations, consistently seek to capture “magical moments within materiality,” inviting viewers to engage with design on a sensory and experiential level.
Shapes of Water – Fendi (2018–Present)
For Fendi’s Design Miami showcase, Marcelis reinterpreted the idea of a fountain using cast resin and marble, creating futuristic yet sensual water sculptures. This ongoing collaboration highlights her ability to merge luxury fashion with conceptual design.
Candy Cube (2015-2024)
This glossy, resin-based cube exemplifies Sabine Marcelis’s fascination with translucency and saturated color. Originally a sculptural side table, it has since become an icon of collectible design and was recently acquired by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, cementing its status as a design classic.
Panorama – High Museum of Art (2024)
Sabine Marcelis’s first major installation in the United States, Panorama features a set of kinetic, mirrored glass columns that rotate slowly, interacting with natural and artificial light. The piece invites viewers to reflect on movement, perception and the passage of time.
Stedelijk Chair (2024)
Commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, this minimalist chair in brushed aluminum showcases Sabine Marcelis’ ability to translate her visual language into functional objects. Sculptural and sleek, it’s a bold example of how design can act as both object and statement.
Yōkan Collection – Expo 2025 Osaka
In collaboration with Japanese artisans, Sabine Marcelis created the Yōkan series using traditional Urushi lacquer techniques on modern wooden forms. These works, set to be shown at Expo 2025, demonstrate her sensitivity to craft, culture, and material storytelling.
Why Does Sabine Marcelis’s Work Matter?
Sabine Marcelis doesn’t just design objects – she designs experiences. Her ability to manipulate light and form transforms everyday materials into poetic, immersive moments. Whether it’s a glowing resin table or a monumental installation, her work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary design.
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