Daybed
Designed by Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Lagos (Nigeria), 2026
Bronze

Measurements
197,5 × 133 × 53,5h cm
77,8 × 52,4 × 21,1h in

Edition
Limited Edition of 7
Produced by Side Gallery for the Dries Van Noten Foundation

Details
Sandcasted and welded

About
The Daybed (2026), created for the Dries Van Noten Foundation, forms part of the Oríkì Series – Act III: Whispers of a Trail. Cast entirely in bronze, the piece is constructed from a single mould that defines its structural frame, while the seat and backrest are seamlessly welded into the composition, reinforcing its material continuity and sculptural integrity.
Drawing inspiration from the Agadaze — the traditional Tuareg bed of the Niger people — the work reinterprets a vernacular object through a contemporary lens. Its elongated, multifaceted form extends the logic of a chair into a hybrid typology, where seating becomes spatial and experiential. A shared backrest unifies the composition, from which a singular candle holder rises, introducing a ritualistic and symbolic dimension.
Balancing function and sculpture, The Daybed operates as both a utilitarian object and a contemplative presence. Its polished bronze surface enhances the perception of weight, permanence, and luminosity, while its form evokes movement, rest, and transition. The work exemplifies Marcus-Bello’s ongoing investigation into material transformation, cultural narratives, and the redefinition of design archetypes.

Biography
Nifemi Marcus-Bello is a designer whose practice bridges commercial and artistic disciplines, guided by a philosophy rooted in intuition, resourcefulness, and a deep engagement with context. His work is distinguished by an experimental approach to materials and a continuous exploration of new forms and typologies, resulting in objects that challenge conventional boundaries between design, art, and function.
His works are held in major international collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Design Museum, among others.
Marcus-Bello has received numerous international recognitions, including the Hublot Design Prize (2022), the Monocle Emerging Designer of the Year Award (2023), and a Special Mention at the Loewe Craft Prize (2025). In 2026, he was shortlisted for the Wallpaper* Designer of the Year Award.
Based in Lagos, Nigeria, where he leads nmbello Studio as Design Director, his practice reflects a dynamic intersection of global design discourse and local cultural narratives, positioning him as a significant voice in contemporary design.