The artwork, promoted by Sacs Tecnorib and created by Christian Grande with the support of Henraux artisans, is part of a dialogue with the past. It recalls the Futurist Manifesto, which exalted the energy of movement and innovation
by Massimo Longoni
Design has always been a fundamental driver in the design of Sacs Tecnorib boats. More than a stylistic choice, it represents an identifying and strategic element, capable of combining form and function, innovation and emotion. This philosophy inspired the creation of Mar Garrente, a sculptural work that celebrates the perfect synthesis between tradition and avant-garde. Created by Christian Grande, in collaboration with the artisans of Henraux, the work is a significant tribute to Futurism of the early 20th century. This artistic and cultural movement celebrated modernity, speed and the dynamics of contemporary life. This artwork is part of the current era, characterised by rapid change. It also reflects on how modern innovations shape the present, highlighting speed as a symbol of progress and achievement.
«We wanted to capture the stylistic elements, the distinctive features, the striking lines and translate them into something iconic». Christian Grande
Christian Grande and Nicola Antonelli shared the design philosophy behind Mar Garrente, a marble sculpture crafted by Italy’s finest artisans. The work encapsulates the stylistic essence of Sacs boats and conceals several key elements that will feature in the shipyard’s future models.
“Art is a means of transcending the boundaries of time and space to embrace the speed of our era”, said Christian Grande. Made of white marble, Mar Garrente is a powerful symbol of the passage of time between the past and the future. This traditional and timeless material, reminiscent of classical art, establishes a dialogue with the historical roots of sculpture, giving continuity to a realisation that embodies the movement and energy typical of modernity. This work becomes a visual experience transcending time, stimulating a deep connection between historical moments.
The work invites visitors to discover how art and design can coexist harmoniously, transcending their traditional boundaries.
«Mar Garrente is a prelude to new projects. Innovation is another value that has shaped the history of our company, whose successes are due not only to Matteo Magni’s entrepreneurial vision but also to the courage to be pioneers in many ways in our sector. Driven by a passion for what we do and a desire to excel, we invest time and energy in researching styles that can evolve the design of our products, just as we do in the technical aspects, seeking the perfect balance between form and function». Nicola Antonelli
The work powerfully expresses the sense of speed through its engraved lines, as if they had been modelled by the action of the sea and the wind, evoking the image of a boat cutting through the waves with elegance and speed, leaving behind a scratched sea. Each line and each scratch is not simply an aesthetic manifestation, but represents the imprint of wind and water, symbols of the imaginary speed of this boat. The idea of swift movement creates a fascinating tension with the marble, symbolising durability and permanence that seems to escape all limits.
Its creation took several weeks, covering all stages of the project, from the creation of the design to the selection of the block of marble, through to the production phases, which alternated between the technological component, involving diamond-tipped drills, and the craftsmanship of Henraux’s expert finishers, who shaped Mar Garrente by hand.
Bold and “roaring”, this sculpture also suggests a kind of “loud visual noise”, reminiscent of the shrill rustle of wind and waves broken by the hull; a perception inspired by the forms that enriches the overall experience and makes the work seem alive and vibrating. Nicola Antonelli said: “This stylistic exercise was not intended to be a celebration of itself or an end in itself. The work, reworked in a futuristic key by Christian Grande, is derived from a product concept that represents a high-performance and innovative sports coupé boat.
(Mar Garrente – A strong visual impact – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, June 2025)
