Marcin Glod, born 1994 in Cracow, lives and works in Vienna. His works are at the intersection of street art, graffiti and painting. This field is his source of inspiration and enables him to create a very broad spectrum of works. Marcin Glod is inspired by artists from different eras, such as Andy Warhol, Michelangelo or Banksy, as well as the urban environment.
The pop cultural references are an important tool for him to deal with and question social developments, current events and also historical parallels.
When did you first come into contact with art?
As a young child. There was a large oil painting in our living room, which has always fascinated me. So, at the age of 4/5 years I began to solve various tasks such as still life, composition or a light-shadow game in a professional magazine for painting. From that time, I tried to deal with the subject as often as possible.
How do you describe your style?
I see my style as the new modern. I try to combine many eras and reflect them in a new body of work. I work with very strong and lively colors and try through simple elements and combinations of various media or associations to create something new and to awaken emotions.
Sustainability plays a very important role for me. I like to work with antique picture frames, windows, cardboard boxes, newspapers, advertising signs and enhance them through my art. So for me, every piece has a story – before and after it was created. I revitalize old objects by combining them with art and give them a new meaning.
What needs must art satisfy?
Freedom & Love
Which artists do you admire?
I admire the career of Andy Warhol and his great works. Banksy for his brilliant ideas and realizations of various political and thought-provoking themes. Alex Katz for his simple and joyful portrayal of moments. Roy Lichtenstein for his powerful comic style.
You have to stay true to your own style and while developing further. For a successful career as an artist, one’s own personal brand and an identity are very important.
How do you create your own identity as an artist?
You have to stay true to your own style and while developing further. For a successful career as an artist, one’s own personal brand and an identity are very important. Finding a unique selling point and being able to reflect this in your work is very relevant. This is how you create an identity that is repeated in all your works and makes you stand out from the crowd. Your style characteristics should be recognizable at first sight.
Do you orient yourself towards the art market?
Before the realization of the works, not really. Of course, you get inspired here and there, but I usually already have the concepts in my head and just have to implement them. So, I don’t get distracted by the art market. Of course, you try to stand out and create something new. But what I do orient myself to is the marketing and positioning of individual artists. I’m fascinated by the approaches that some artists have used to make it to the top. You can only learn from the best.
You have to stay true to your own style and while developing further. For a successful career as an artist, one’s own personal brand and an identity are very important.
How do you create your own identity as an artist?
You have to stay true to your own style and while developing further. For a successful career as an artist, one’s own personal brand and an identity are very important. Finding a unique selling point and being able to reflect this in your work is very relevant. This is how you create an identity that is repeated in all your works and makes you stand out from the crowd. Your style characteristics should be recognizable at first sight.
Do you orient yourself towards the art market?
Before the realization of the works, not really. Of course, you get inspired here and there, but I usually already have the concepts in my head and just have to implement them. So, I don’t get distracted by the art market. Of course, you try to stand out and create something new. But what I do orient myself to is the marketing and positioning of individual artists. I’m fascinated by the approaches that some artists have used to make it to the top. You can only learn from the best.
How important are online channels for you? Do they promote sales?
I think they are very important and necessary in this day and age to reach a larger audience and not be forgotten. Personally, though, I’m not a fan of it as it takes up a lot of time and is distracting. A solid presence on Instagram and your own website are a good basis. It makes it more professional. Prospects also have the opportunity to find out more information about you. You are not dependent on location and can thus promote international sales. Very often customers from abroad order from me. This offers the opportunity to grow internationally and gives everyone the option to get a piece of art from me – whether limited art editions for a small budget in my online store or unique pieces on Artsy.
Which of your previous travels have inspired you the most?
I found my trip through Indonesia very inspiring. It showed me what freedom means and what values are important to me. In our hectic world, influenced by media and constant accessibility, you can’t really find peace and clearly structured thoughts. Often one is distracted by many things of everyday life. In nature without the internet, it’s quite easy to think.
Living in New York and Los Angeles has inspired and motivated me on an artistic level. Both cities are very much characterized by modern art, which is also enormously promoted. Seeing something new, eye-catching, and full of life completely changed my perspective on art. There I discovered a whole new world and at the same time received confirmation that my art and my approach have international potential.
And Japan – the love of detail.
How do you spend your time in isolation?
I try to reflect on my life and gather new ideas, to define my wishes and goals for the future. Also, reflecting on the past and some decisions as well as successes and failures and learning from them. Trying to live each day freer and more distanced from the digital world, to be less stressed, to live out the arts and to educate myself. Structured planning and goals for the future must not be missing in any case. So, for me, it’s letting off steam artistically and working on new pieces – all without distractions. This year I have a lot to do. That’s why I’m enjoying the time now, locked up in my studio, to work on new works, concepts and shows and to plan the year in peace.
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Original interview in in German by Les Nouveaux Riches Magazin:
https://www.les-nouveaux-riches.com/marcin-glod-im-interview/
Translated by Rafael Boog