INVITED BY ARTSY, THIS GREAT INITIATIVE'S GOAL IS TO CREATE CONTENT WITH ARTISTS HIGHLIGHTING HOW THEY ARE ENDURING THIS UNIQUE SITUATION, BRINGING THEIR VOICES TO OUR COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING INSPIRATION FOR ALL.
How does art keep you going during difficult times?
Art is the outlet that keeps me grounded. No matter how bad a situation gets- if I can physically create something, then I feel I still exist. I’m still ok.
How has your art practice been affected by self-isolation?
It is a continuation of my normal life, with stricter measures. A normal day for me is painting isolated in my studio. Now that isolation is forced- It makes me crave human contact and search for deeper human meaning.
How are you staying creative?
It is a no- choice situation for me. I am lucky to have found space in my mother’s house- where I have been in quarantine, and am lucky I had materials already waiting for me here. I am creating constantly.
Tania Marmolejo,
I Always Come Back Here, 2019
oil on canvas
48 x 79in
Are you creating new work while social distancing?
Yes! I am very inspired, creating in a frenzied state. I haven’t painted this much- in such an urgent way, in a long time. I feel there is a specific situation, that is global and human, and I’d like to document it. I don’t want to live through it without learning something.
Who are some other artists you are moved by right now?
I am moved by the art of Edvard Munch, Egon Schiele, and The German Expressionists. They lived through very hard times, the Spanish Flu is one- Munch survived and painted the experience, Schiele and Klimt for example did not survive. Munch is especially inspiring with his paintings of angst, sickness and human emotion. These artists have always inspired me for their very honest, raw art.
What work of art in your home means the most to you?
My Swedish Grandmother’s sketch book, from her young adult years. It is a mirror into my own soul, I have so much in common with her art yet never knew her. She has always inspired me.
Tania Marmolejo
I'll stay right here, 2019
Oil on linen
42h x 50w in
106.68h x 127w cm