Mark Malecki
What’s your name and where are you from/Based?
Mark Malecki, from Virginia (USA) Based in NYC/Paris
Can you describe what you do in a few words?
I’m a freelance custom metal fabricator/welder, providing design, consultation, and fabrication across the Art/Design/Fashion/Architecture worlds. In addition, I pursue my personal furniture/lighting/sculpture pieces available and exhibited at. Shows/galleries internationally.
Do you remember the first thing you made that felt as if you recognized yourself in the object?
Years ago I was making more knives and tools. I felt others could recognize my work for the styles/techniques I was prone to use. Putting so many hours. into these art knives etc it starts to get personal.
You work with raw, industrial materials like metal and glass, what draws you to these?
I’m really a nerd when it comes to material science. Working primarily with metal I’m really lucky to have built a relationship with a material thats quite forgiving. Over a decade later I’m still fascinated how working properties in all materials is so strictly based in science/physics.
What’s your relationship with tools and trade techniques?
Great question. Tools, machines, and trade techniques inspire %100. I think it’s more subconscious than I can take credit for. You learn a new exercise, it directly influences the type of work you can produce, and the doors open.
How has being based in New York shaped your approach? Are there objects or structures in your everyday life that influences your aesthetic unconsciously?
New York City had a profound impact on my practice. A metropolis urban landscape full of design/architectural references, and filled with an incredibly unique energy. I’ve referenced specific architectural structures in my personal work. Spending time around the design community also shifted what I wanted to accomplish here, and how I want to be involved in this world.
What does “functionality” mean to you when the object begins to behave more like art?
Functionality, to me, is a treat. Maybe a more shallow connection than art/ sculpture, or maybe deeper. I love being involved tangibly in a pieces story. Art you can actually use, lots of subject to play around with here, its more interesting to me.
Which piece felt like a real turning point in your creative voice or direction?
The OG Hairy table was the piece that really took me on another path than what I had been doing for years. The connections and opportunities I found that really changed my life in the past 4 Years or so, could be attributed to this piece coming to life.
Have you ever had a moment where the material resisted your vision and what did that reveal?
Many times. I’m always being humbled by materials where the original concept would never have succeeded exactly as conceptualized. There’s always so much to learn and understand in practice the properties and limitations of materials.
You describe your work as a reflection on power, identity, and societal expectations. How do you see those ideas taking shape physically in your objects?
The rewarding part is seeing how others engage with your work. There’s really infinite possible narratives around most pieces, I like to end up in an area where people are curious, confused, agitated even by my work.
Where can people find you?
Galleries [current 2025]
Lovehouse NYC @lovehouseny
VASTO gallery Barcelona @vasto_gallery
Instagram @mark_malecki
Website markmalecki.com
Inquiries mmalecki14@gmail.com
