Martín Azúa

Martin Azua is a Spanish artist and designer, living in Barcelona and specialising in products, interiors and installations. He trained in fine arts at the University of Barcelona, and upon graduating he quickly found success as an industrial designer. Azua created celebrated furniture and lighting pieces for renowned companies such as DDI, Kvadrat, and Majoral. But despite his continued success in that world, he always found most gratification when working on smaller projects that gave him the freedom to experiment. Azua regularly incorporates nature into his work, especially the items of ceramics that he designs. His work carries a speculative and experimental nature.

One of Martin Azua's first projects was the “Basic House”, a radical interpretation of a Nomad shelter, which since 2007 has since formed part of the MOMA collection in New York City. His work has received major awards, such as the City of Barcelona Prize in 2000, multiple Silver Delta Prizes and the AD Prize for designer of the year in 2010.

“More and more I think it is interesting to work with local manufacturers and reclaim a design with local meaning. Everyone is trying to be famous, to sell all over the world, but I think in the process we are losing something.” - Martin Azua