"Makina" Abstract Stone Sculpture by Alberto Cabiddu 2001

A Dialogue Between Form and Function

“Makina” is a powerful, architectonic sculpture by Alberto Cabiddu, created in 2001 from Pietra di Vicenza, a historic Italian limestone, and stacked wood elements. Evoking the language of machinery and industrial design, this work plays with the tension between man-made precision and timeless materiality.

Structured like a mechanical monolith, “Makina” balances void and volume, rhythm and pause. It appears at once ancient and futuristic—a relic of imagined civilizations or a model for a yet-to-be-built utopia. The organic warmth of the wood contrasts with the cool, tactile stone, emphasizing the artist’s sensitivity to material and form.

Alberto Cabiddu is a contemporary Italian sculptor whose work bridges architecture, industrial aesthetics, and fine art. Deeply rooted in Italian material traditions, Cabiddu often works with stone such as Pietra di Vicenza, a limestone famously used in the buildings of Andrea Palladio. His sculptural vocabulary reflects a profound interest in the mechanical world, filtered through the lens of abstraction and minimalism.

Cabiddu’s pieces are known for their quiet intensity and spatial intelligence—each one an object of contemplation and a meditation on structure. His work appeals to collectors of postmodern design, contemporary minimalism, and those drawn to the intersection of art, craft, and architecture.

Why Collect “Makina”?

Unique combination of historic stone and minimalist design

Artistically significant work from early 2000s contemporary Italian sculpture

Compact yet monumental — ideal for collectors with an eye for form and material

A striking conversation piece in any modern interior or architectural space

Medium: Pietra di Vicenza and wood

Dimensions : 47 cm (H) x 14 cm (W) x 12 cm (D) - 18.5 in (H) x 5.5 in (W) x 4.7 in (D)

Alberto Cabiddu, born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1966, discovered his passion for art at just 10 years old, thanks to a teacher who saw his talent. Though his teenage years were more focused on music than art, his love for drawing returned full force around age 18, leading him to Paris and back to Geneva for drawing courses.

In 1987, Alberto moved to the province of Vicenza, where he fell in love with sculpture, experimenting with local "Vicenza stone," marble, wood, and clay. He learned from artists like sculptor Agostino Gallio and ceramicist Antonio Visentin, but mostly, he's a self-taught artist. Today, Alberto focuses on abstract sculpture.

"So far, he has never been interested in promoting or sharing his work, but with time, things change..."

Makina will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 375, is crate included.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

Wear consistent with age and use.

We ship worldwide. Request a shipping quote by e-mail to tacojoustra@vintageobjects.com mentioning the piece you are interested in.

Pick-up by appointment only.

We are a 1stDibs Platinum dealer.