Malleus is an independent art studio founded in Italy by Lu, Poia and Urlo.
For over two decades, the three artists have developed a distinctive visual language through illustration, graphic design and hand-pulled silkscreen printing, creating limited-edition posters as well as artwork for music, publishing, cinema, brands and cultural projects.
Rooted in Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Expressionism and psychedelic art, Malleus’ imagery also draws from cinema, literature, photography and comics.
These influences have gradually merged into a personal style often described as Dark Nouveau: a dense and dreamlike world of organic forms, symbolism, nature and the human figure.
At the heart of this imagery, the female form often emerges as a primordial goddess, a symbol of nature, creation, transformation and mystery, where the human, the organic and the mythical become one.
SILKSCREEN
Silkscreen printing has always been central to Malleus.
Posters are designed and hand-printed in the studio in Italy, using traditional techniques and produced as signed and numbered limited editions.
The same approach extends to records, books, packaging and special projects, where image, materials and production are conceived as parts of the same work.
COLLABORATIONS
Over the years Malleus has worked with musicians, festivals, publishers, galleries and international brands.
Selected collaborations include Collectionzz, Roadburn, CODA, Live Nation, Mondadori, Century Guild, Mondo, Oakley, Volvo, Activision, Feltrinelli, Rolling Stone, MTV and Hellfest amongst others.
RECORD LABEL
In 2005, Malleus founded Supernatural Cat, an independent record label and publishing platform born from the same connection between music, visual art and physical objects.
The label is home to Ufomammut, The Mon, Gotho, Baratro, Bosco Sacro, morkobot and many more, with Malleus developing the visual identity, artwork and packaging of its releases.