Marianne MarpLondon
Visual Artist
London, UK
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What inspires you?
For years I didn’t feel that I had much to say as an artist, but I’m slowly getting into the groove of it. At the moment it fascinates me to learn, what speaks to some, can be deaf to others. It also inspires me to know that my work connects with people from all sorts of background, internationally.
You grew up in Copenhagen and now live in London. How would you describe the main vibe of both places?
London is like a transit airport. People come from everywhere and nowhere, and with them, they bring their restless souls. You can feel this constant burning desire to prove, to be seen, to be heard, to be discovered, understood and stand out. And London is a great platform for that. It invites experimentation and boldness, and encourages you to be your dreams. Which is essentially also why it attracts so many people, and equally fails so many too. Whereas Copenhagen is more insular and of course much smaller in comparison, although it has become more international the last decade or so. As a city it’s a relaxed and stylish place. Its habitants aren’t desperately seeking new identities in the same degree as in London. I would say their focus is more on life quality, for example there is a lot focus on how to merge leisure with work through design and play. Copenhagen is a great place for being in a big city yet very close to nature as it’s bordered on its eastern side to the sea and its mercy. Also it’s a bicycle city regardless the weather.
Which places do you want to visit?
I’m huge fan of mid-century design and architecture. So one of my biggest dreams is to see ‘desert modernism’ of the southwest of America plus the sensual curves of the Brazilian and Mexican modernist architecture. I would really love that.
Where are you finding ideas for your work?
From everywhere. It’s often a culmination of many things merged together. Observations, and conversations, people, nature and things that draws me in, situations I try to make sense of, feelings I got.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Honesty and to be true to yourself. Not to take anyone for granted, myself included.
Biggest regret?
When I made my dad cry.
What kind of art leaves a lasting impact on you, and why?
I like when I feel art. I like when it gives me elements of unexpectedness, delivers some level of interaction. I love when something seduces my senses like curves, interplay between light and shadow, harmony, sensuality, eroticism, cheekiness, strength, wit, confidence, vulnerability, great skills, cleverness, beauty.
What do you want to capture in your work?
A glimpse into how I see the world. I want draw the viewer in, immerse them into an emotion in that moment.
What is your vice and strength?
My curiosity.
What project are you working on now?
I’ve just finished shooting pictures for a series, which conceptually is rooted in and around wedding ceremonies and the whole shebang as I wanted a project that gave me a creative freedom to be as camp-as-a-xmas-tree, aesthetically. And the wedding ceremony is an ideal place to go over-the-top.
When are you happiest?
When I feel love, in all shapes.
What advice would you give young creatives?
Kill your darlings. Learn to edit. Less is more. Understand what makes an image unique. Focus on what separates you from others. Capture who you are and translate your personal experience into a collective one. Always try and be honest with yourself, and overcome any fears by doing.
What are your plans for the future?
To do this project that I’ve wanted to do for the last 10 years or more. It’s about a special place close to my heart.
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