Biography of MarcestelThe master of colors
Marcestel,Marc Antoine Squarciafichi
Born in Paris on February 26, 1943, Marcestel, was a French artist based in Japan for over fifty years.
Mastering multiple painting and sculptural techniques, he was especially adept in colour and oil painting. His style, a subtle blend of pictorial substance, borrows the osmosis and fluidity of hues from Japanese sumi-e inks that he observed in the 1970s.
Marcestel’s inspiration derived from his own relationship with nature, but also from the historical and cultural links of the Japan-China-Korea triangle. Marcestel focused his creative output on mythology and origin of the world. In Japan, he illustrated the major events of the Kojiki, the collection of myths of origins which inspired some of the beliefs of Shintoism.
The Shinto world was quick to recognise the value of Marcestel’s work. After a first donation in ISE Jingu in 1996, a long series of donations, currently totalling over 200, has been made to some of the most important shrine of Japan (Learn more about Donations).
In 2007, he received the “Bunka Shoreisho” award, representing the highest honour from the Shinto order, and in 2014 he further received the “Bunka Kankeisha Monbukagaku Daijin Hyosho” national cultural Distinction award from the Japanese minister for culture.
November 2019 marks a peak of recognition of his works and a deep gratitude for his devotion to Japanese culture. 15 works were projected on the Imperial Palace Square, during the National Ceremony celebrating His Majesty the Emperor’s Enthronement.
Far from slowing down his output at over 80, Marcestel daily continued to expand his creative field, and until the last days, he was still painting.
Marcestel died during his last exhibition in Osaka on April 24, 2023. He leaves a considerable artistic heritage and an indelible imprint within the Shintoist and Japanese cultural universe.
The last interview of Marcestel, recorded by Bob Leenears – redTanpopo Production – on April 5, 2023, just few days before his death (in french).
April 2023
1943
- Was born in Paris on February 26,1943.
1945 – 1950
- In 1945 he came to Eze on the Cote d’Azur,where his father,Robert,and his mother Carmen restored the hotel la Bananeraie.
- In 1950, his parents founded the Hotel Cap Estel. Theatrmosphere there was unique, combining the proximity of a majestic park with the deep blue Mediterranean Sea,and was without a doubt the secret source of his inspiration and artisic vocation.
Bananeraie Marc’s house and atelier.
1945 – 2022
Carmen, Stephane, Marc, Mireille, Robert.
1950
1960
- At the Albert Premier de Monaco high school,he obtained his diploma
1960 – 1968
- He obtained a degree in Economic Sciences at the University of Paris and degree in Russia and Chinese at the University of Oriental Languages, This was followed by National Service attached to the french Embassy in Laos.
Marc, Carmen & Robert in Cap Estel.
1965
Cap Estel Marc’s house and atelier.
1950-2000
1969
- He returned to Paris, becoming secretary to Maurice Schumann, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
1971
- He studies tempera and travels to India where he is initiated in the techniques of silk painting.
- He splits his time between Asia, and the Côte d’Azur and Italy.
With Nobusuke Kishi , Eisaku Sato, Both former Prime Minister and Shintaro Abe (Father of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe).
With Princess Grace Kelly in Cap Estel.
1972
- Becomes friends with Rudolph Noureev in Monte-Carlo, with whom he shares a common love for fabric. The latter introduces him to Yoko Morishita and introduces him to the world of dance.
- Meets His Majesty the Sultan Quaboos of Oman, who stayed for a month, in Cap Estel.He splits his time between Asia, and the Côte d’Azur and Italy.
- Perfects his painting technique in oil which allowing him to obtain transparence and fluidity of tempera, combining techniques and cultures of Asia and the West.
- Meeting with Davi Sukarno, wife of the ex-President of Indonesia, in Monte-Carlo.
Shintaro Abe and Marcestel talking in the ceremony of Japan-Oman Friendship Association.
1972
Opening speech in the ceremony of Japan-Oman Friendship Association.
1972
1976
- This will be the beginning of a friendship with André Masson, Hans Hartung, André Braselier, Aizipir, Louis Berthommé Saint André, Edouard Mac Avoy, Rodolphe Caillauz, Jean Carzou and Antoni Clavé..
With Andre Masson.
1977
With Hans Hartung.
1977
1977
- Marcestel’s silk scarves used by Pierre Cardin, Pierre Balmain and Guy Laroche.
- Marcestel’s silk scarves on the cover of Vogue
Marc’s fabrics were used by Pierre Cardin, Pierre Balmain and on the cover of Vogue.
With Rudolf Noureev.
1978
- Begins creating limited editions of painted silk at Ratti in Come (Italy). These silks have been chosen by The biggest French, American and Japanese fashion designers such as Cardin, Pierre Balmain, Guy Laroche, Hanae Mori, Cynthia Bardes, for their Haute Couture collections.
- Meets Francoise Sagan and Jules Dassin at the Cannes Film Festival.
With Marc Chagall.
1978
With Edouard Mac Avoy.
1979
- Personal exhibition at Vicodel’Arte in Florence.
- Meets the pianist Alexis Weissenberg.
- Opening of a workshop in Woodstock. New York State, USA.
1980
- Initiation to the ancestral techniques of Chinese and Japanese ceramics
1981
- Creation of cloth in the silk workshops of Shanghai China.
1982
- Personal exhibition at the Gallery One in San Francisco USA
1983
- Creation of a tapestry of Aubusson from one of his works by the Pinton workshop and which is shown for a charity auction « Children from here, children from elsewhere » organized by M Rodolphe Tissieres in Verbier, Switzerland.*Exhibition of his silk dresses in New York, San Francisco and Washington.
- Exhibition of his silk dresses in New York, San Francisco and Washington.
1984
- Exhibition of silk dresses in Dallas, Philadelphia and Miami in private homes.
- Personal exhibition of silk paintings and dresses in Sienna (Italy).
- Meets the Italian designer Trussardi.
1985
- Publishes a book on his work and poetry entitled “Eternity and Love”
- Acquisition of the Moiré Castle whose reconstruction he undertakes. He will paint numerous works there.
- Personal exhibition at the art gallery of the Beauvau Place in Paris attended by Mme Pompidou and MmeChaban Delmas.
- Makes a series of tapestries in Peking, China.
- Initiation to the technique of graphic relief on paper made by hand with Lebadang, famous Franco-Vietnamese artist.
1987
- Personal Exhibit at the Benow Gallery in Munich, Germany.
- Personal Exhibition at the Circle Gallery of San Francisco.
- Trip to Africa and more particularly to Togo where he begins to help the “Appel” Foundation for homeless children.
- Personal exhibit at the Magna Gallery in San Francisco and in New York.
- Accompanies the Prince Albert of Monaco during one week during his first visit to Japan invited by Fuji Television.
1988
- Personal exhibition at the Circle Gallery in Atlantic City, Denver and San Francisco.
Marcestel with President Pompidou‘s wife Claude.
1988
1989
- Personal Exhibition at the Circle Gallery in Pittsburg and in San Diego USA.
- Gallery Place Beauvau in Paris.
- Personal Exhibition at “Art Expo” in Tokyo.
- Publication of his works and poetry in an edition of art “Nature and Love’compilation of his work.
- Exhibition at the Jacques Gallery in New York.
1991
- Transposes his style developed on silk to glass work for the first time.
- Works in collaboration with the artist Jean-Carlo Signoretto de Muroano and the Francoise Cortese workshop.
- Fashion show of his silk dresses with the designer Babette Aquino(Philippines)
With the Queen of Malaysia, Y.M.M Tunku.
1992
- Exhibit at Member’s Club in Hong-Kong organized by Maki Okutani for the Rentarts Company.
1994
- Exhibition of screens for the commemoration of the 1,200 year anniversary of the construction of Kyoto, in the cultural Museum of Kyoto.
- Exhibition in the Angers Salon in France of his painting “Rangda and the three graces” (195*300) inspired by Indonesia.
- Exhibition at Art Expo in Miami.
- Exhibition of his bed sheets and comforters at Harrods London.
- Participates in the exhibition of the opening of the Opera gallery in Singapore.
With Okamoto Taro.
With the Imperial Prince Mikasanomiya, Mikasa Takahito and Marcestel’s mother, Carmen.
1995
- Creation of kakeijikus (painted paper) in the town of Chang-Zhou in China.
1996
- Named representative of the Salon of Automne for the Asian countries.
Avec la princesse Takako Shimazu, sœur cadette de l’empereur Akihito.
With Suzuki Tadao (former Chairman of the Mercian corporation), Konoe Tadateru (President of the Japanese Red Cross Society) and his wife, and Yvette Cauquil-Prince, in Mercian Karuizama Art Museum.
1997
- Permanent exhibition in the Jean Art Gallery in Seoul, Korea.
- Large personal exhibition in Kuala Lumpur at the Nikko Hotel under the patronage of the minister of the culture of Malaysia. Inauguration by the ambassador of France M Edouard Braine and the wife of the ambassador of Japan Mrs. Nomura Noriko.
- Meets the first queen of Malasia Yang MahaMulia and with the wife of the Prime Minister Mrs. Mahatir.
- Large personal exhibition entirely devoted to the charity benefit Operation Smile at the China Club of Hong-Kong, inaugurated by the American Consulate Mr. Sonny Busa.
With Takamasa Senge and Nagahiko Senge, Chief Priests of Izumo Ooyashiro.
With Jimyousai Sosa, Iemoto of Omote-senke, at the tea ceremony.
1998
- Personal exhibition at the Maison de l’AmériqueLatine in Monaco for the benefit of a dispensary of SAS the Prince Albert of Monaco, in Nigeria.
1999
- Large Personal Exhibit at the Opera Gallery in Singapore.
With sculptor Pierre Armand in Cap Estel.
1999
2000
- Exhibit at the Art Now Gallery Johannesburg, South Africa.
2002
- Hong Kong donation of four canvases for the Ball of the Operation Smile, the proceeds from which benefitted seventy children in China.
2004
- Exhibition at the Art Festival 2004 in Shanghai in the Liu Hai Su Museum.
- Exhibition Shanghai art show presented by the Korean Gallery Jin art.
- Creation in Burkina Faso of three buildings for the Yacouba School.
2005
- Exhibition at the Museum of the countries of Sarrebourg with tapestries from Chagall, Picasso and Max Ernst.
- Creation of a well in Burkina Fasso, in memory of his mother.
With Michihisa Kitashirakawa (President of the Association of Shinto Shrines, and former Supreme chief priest of Ise Jingu), Keiko Nozu (The third daugther of the 22th Hiroshi Shou, Ryukyu kingdom).
2006
With Kuniaki Kuni (former President of the Association of Shinto Shrines, and former Supreme chief priest of Ise Jingu) in Kasumi Kaikan.
2007
- Publication of the book «Japanese Mythology» by Marcestel in 7 languages Received the highest decoration «Bunka ShoReiSho»
Marcestel receive the “Bunka ShoReiSho” award, representing the highest honour from the Shinto order.
2007
2008
- Exhibition «Japanese Mythology « in Uenomori Royal Museum. Was selected along with nine Chinese artists to make a commemorative telephone card for the Olympic games.
- 20 paintings are on permanent display in the Tempo Museum in Pekin (china).
2009
- Exhibition in Art Z Park Art Fair in Pekin, Chenese Top Ten artist’ works, in Pekin.
- Opening of Museum Retif in South of France.
2010
- Recieved an Atelier from Shanghai City for 10 years, in the Cultural village 1919.
- Nominated Art Director for the project «Sky and Art» during the Shanghai Univesal Exhibition.
- Publication of the book « The contemporary chinese painters » published by Ren Ming art.
- Exhibition Okinawa Mitsukoshi – Sapporo Daimaru – Tokyo Daimaru – Tokyo Ginza.
2011
- Exhibition « Marcestel, the magician of colors » in the Matsuyama Miurart Museum.
- Show « Shin Dai Oto Emaki Musuhi » on the mythology subject – Takamatsu, Sanport Hall
- Exhibition Okinawa Mitsukoshi – Shimonoseki Daimaru – Imeji Sanyo Hyakkaten – Osaka Shinsaibashi Daimaru – Tokyo Ginza.
2012
- Television NHK-BS premium « Shi Nihon Fukodi ».
- Designation for Cultural foreign ambassador for the chinese delegation exhibition during the London Olympic.
- Exhibition Okinawa Mitsukoshi – Sapporo Daimaru – Okayama Tenmaya – Tokyo Daimaru – Imeji Sanyo Hyakkaten – Shimonoseki Daimaru – Tokyo Ginza.
- Show « Shin Dai Oto Emaki Musuhi » on the mythology subject – Matsuyama.
- Show « Kamigami no YadoruShima .IkiHibiki Au Tamashii Tachi » InkiBunka Hall.
- Exhibition in the Iki Koku Museum « IkiHibiki Au Tamashii Tachi ».
2013
- Group exhibition organised by the Tempo Museum of Xiamen in China.
- Television in TBS-BS – 1 hour – « Travel along the japanese Mythology by the french painter Marcestel ».
- Donation of a art work in the Tokyo oriental Library (Tokyo Toyo bunko).
- Show « E to oto to mai no concert offered to Izumo» for the « Heisei no Daisengu » (celebration of renewal of the temple) – Izumo Taisha.
- Donation of a pair of 6 panels folding screen (Rokkyokuisso byoubu ) « Izanagi and Izanami, the birth of Japan » and «The love of the three precious children » in Heian Jingu in Kyoto.
- Exhibition Okinawa Mitsukoshi – Fuchu Isetan – Osaka Shinsaibashi – Kyoto daimaru – Tokyo Daimaru – Tokyo Ginza.
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki » Miyazaki Medikit Ken Ming Bunka Hall.
- Show « Yamato takeru to Atsuta Jingu » for the celebration of 1900 years old of AtsukaJingu – Tokyo Hibiya Kokaido.
2014
- Commemoration Exhibition for the youth olympic – Nanjing in China.
- Exhibition « First international art exhibition » Bejing in China.
- Donation in Ise jingu of a 4 panels folding screen made by Oil painting canvas.
- Receive the National cultural distinction from the Ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology of Japan (Bunka Kankeisha Monbukagaku Daijin Hyosho).
- Donation for a shinto sanctuary built in San Marino in Europe.
- Exhibition Okinawa Mitsukoshi – Nagoya Matsuzakaya – Shimonoseki Daimaru – Tokyo Daimaru – Shinsaibashi Daimaru – Takamatsu Cultural center of Kagawa prefecture – Tokyo Ginza – Tokyo Nakano Yatsumitake Jinja – Shizuoka Kakegawa, Tan Zan OukinenHotoku Library.
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki » in the Tokyo Theater – Tokyo
Marcestel receive the National Cultural Award from the Minister of Culture, Sports, Science and technology of Japan (Bunka Kankeisha Monbukagaku Daijin Hyosho) Avec Hakubun Shimomura, former Minister.
2014
2015
- Exhibition « Nihon Shinwa ten » in the Kyushu National muséum in Fukuoka.
- Personnal exhibition « Marcestel Ten » Okurayama Memorial Hall Gallery in Yokohama ; Saitama-shi Cultural Center ; Create Hamamatsu ; Awagin Hall in Tokushima ; Galleria Kameoka ; Tokyo Ginza；Tokyo Daimaru.
- Interview for NHK World TV
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki – Story of the love of gods » in the CanalcityTheater – Fukuoka.
- Commemorative party for the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Marcestel ’s presence in Japan. Annoncement of the publishing of the Shrine donation book : “Japanese Mythology On the path to love”.
- 27 Donations done, as Itsukushima Jinja (Hiroshima), Kashiigu (Fukuoka), Izumo Daijingu (Kyoto).
2016
- Personnal exhibition : Daito City general Cultural Center ; Takamatsu Symbol Tower exhibition hall ; Ginza Art Hall ; Create Hamamatsu ; Osaka Shinsaibashi Daimaru ; Shimonoseki Daimaru ; Hakata Daimaru ; Kyoto Daimaru ; Kobe Daimaru.
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki – Story of the love of gods » Miyazaki Medikit Arts Center Theatre.
- Event « Kojiki Marcestel draws and the world of Kagura – Shinto music and dance numbers » yamata no orochi in Usa Jingu (Oita).
- Présentation of Marcestel’s activities and talk with the prime minister of Japan Abe, during the convention « One hundred million total activity and Regional revitalization National convention in Kyushu » – Fukuoka.
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki – Story of the love of gods » at New National Theatre Tokyo Opera palace.
- 8 Donations done, as Atago Jinja (Kyoto), KotonomamaHachimangu (Shizuoka).
With Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
2016
With Akie Abe, wife of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (at the Prime Minister’s Office).
2017
- Personal Exhibitions: FRORE Artist Gallery(as Opening Exhibition); Ginza Art Hall; Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Gallery; OumiJingu Clock Museum Treasure Museum(Shiga); IshikiriTsurugiya Jinja Veneration Hall(Osaka); Sunport Takamatsu(Kagawa); Okinawa Ryubo; Kyoto Rendez-vou Gallery; Shisaibashi Daimaru.
- Show « Japanese Mythology by Marcestel » , Meiji Jingu Kaikan-Tokyo, Rexxam Hall-Takamatasu.
- Show « Dramatic Kojiki – Story of fights and the departure of gods » in New National Theatre Tokyo opera palace.
With Sen Genshitsu, former Iemoto of Ura-senke.
With Naotake Takatsukasa, Supreme chief priest of Ise Jingu.
2018
- Solo exhibition at Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shinoki Guest House (Kanazawa), FLORE Artist Gallery, Create Hamamatsu, El Gala Gallery (Fukuoka).
- Hakusasonso Hashimoto Sekiyuki Memorial Hall (Kyoto).
- Marcestel World Exhibition «The Road of Love between Japanese and Asian Myths» (Miyazaki).
- Solo exhibition in Dalian – China
2019
- On November 9th, the « National Festival to Celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s Enthronement » was held at the Imperial Palace Front Gardens. Mr. Rintaro Mayuzumi, who was in charge of the overall production of this « celebration ceremony », asked Mr. Mark Esther to use mythical paintings on the stage. Mr. Mark Esther and Mr. Mayuzumi have a relationship between two generations of parents and children, and 15 works were shown in the Kojiki picture scroll of Japanese creation.
- Solo exhibition at Okurayama Memorial Hall in Yokohama, Kobe Kitano Museum, FLORE Artist Gallery, Myokaen Gallery (Nagoya), Namba Shrine (Osaka).
- « Marcestel World Exhibition » (Yokohama Sogo).
His Majesty Naruhito and his wife Masako during the « National Festival to Celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s Enthronement ».
2019
The ceremony was held at the Imperial Palace Front Gardens.
2019
During the ceremony, 15 Marcestel’s works were shown in the Kojiki picture scroll of Japanese creation.
2019
2020
- Solo exhibition at Kozono Shrine (Shizuoka Prefecture), Komaruya Salon Gallery (Kyoto), RisaburoTsuboiShoten Headquarters Building (Nagoya), FLORE Artist Gallery.
- « Marcestel World Exhibition » (Miyakonojo City), (Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store), (Daimaru Sapporo Store).
- « Marcestel Exhibition » (Okinawa Ryubo).
2021
- « Gallery Marcestel by H&T Inc. » opens at Imperial Hotel Plaza.
- « Marcestel World Exhibition » – «UmisachiYamasachi / Emperor Jimmu’s Love Story» (Miyazaki).
- « Marcestel Exhibition » (Okinawa Ryubo).
2022
- Permanent exhibition « Gallery Marcestel by H&T Inc.» à l’hotel Imperial Plaza.
- Personal exhibition – Tokyo, Kyoto, Shizuoka, Okinawa, Kagoshima.
- Marcestel received the Superstar Art Award form the Superstar Art Foundaiton in Rockefeller Center in New York.
2023
- Marcestel made his last personal exhibitions in his lifetime in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka.
- Marcestel died at the age of 80 on 24 april 2023 in Osaka during his last exhibition. Until the last days, he was still creating new paintings. A series of 8 artworks are considered to be his last paintings.
Currently made 195 donations in Shrine in Japan from 1996 to 2023
+ 5 donations post mortem.
Later exhibitions
- « Japanese Myhtology » Cannes Festival – France.
- « Japanese Myhtology » Palais Colonna – Vatican Rome – Italy.
Theme of Izanagi & Izanami in the garden of love.
The unfinished last painting made by Marcestel few days before his death the 24 april 2023.
2023
Learn moreAbout Marcestel Collections
Marcestel made a long series of donations, currently totalling over 200 to some of the most important shrines of Japan.
A series of three events has been organized to pay homage to Marcestel in a peaceful, harmonious gathering.
Marcestel Collections is the legal entity which inventories, manages, protects all of Marcestel’s works and more.
Marcestel’s talent and mastery of color and techniques leave a huge collection of creations. The collections present the main themes of his work.
Question ? Contact Marcestel Collections, the legal entity which inventories, manages and protects all of Marcestel’s works and copyrights.