Marc Barold

Marc Barold is an Australian contemporary artist based in Sydney whose practice spans sculpture, functional art, and production design. He began sculpting at thirteen and graduated with distinctions in Sculpture from the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales in 1997. He later studied Film Art Direction and Design at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, developing a career that connects sculptural experimentation with the construction of immersive environments.

His work explores what he describes as “Future Nature,” a vision of organic forms transformed through technology and contemporary fabrication. Flowing contours, geometric structures, and reflective surfaces create objects that appear both familiar and otherworldly. Light and reflection are integral to this approach, allowing sculptures to respond to their surroundings and shift in appearance as viewers move around them. Barold cites Zaha Hadid, Anish Kapoor, and Daniel Arsham among his influences, alongside a broader fascination with patterns in nature.

More than two decades of work in production design and fabrication have shaped his understanding of materials, scale, and spatial storytelling. His experience includes projects for Swarovski, Cirque du Soleil, and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars productions, as well as work with artist Fernando Mastrangelo during his years in New York. His sculpture Reborn began as a clay study made during an experiment in working in complete darkness. Initially cast in bronze, it was later reproduced in white and featured in Star Wars: Episode II.

Among his signature works, The Evolution Dome contrasts a smooth outer shell with deeply carved internal fissures, drawing on ideas of planetary formation and transformation. The Opening frames a mirrored surface with sculptural panels that suggest a curtain being drawn back, while Transmission translates the rhythm of an outward-moving signal into a large mirrored composition. These works bring sculpture into direct conversation with architecture, using reflection, repetition, and depth to alter the perception of a room. Selected designs can be adapted in scale, colour, finish, and orientation, allowing each commission to respond to its setting.

Barold’s practice has been featured in The Local Project’s “Custom Australian Art – Sculptures by Marc Barold” and in an interview with Benjamin Genocchio for Incollect exploring his transition between film production and contemporary sculpture. ArtsHub has also examined his international production-design career, offering insight into the technical and collaborative experience that continues to inform his independent work.

Marc Barold’s complete catalog available upon request.