The masterful young mind behind many of the weird but wonderful images over the internet tanks of contemporary art, flowing around Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook, goes by the name David Marinos.
David, at just 16, unravels his talent in creating unique and enthralling images which embody, in a mesmerising way, his perception of the world around him.
The intimate details of the human body meet the magic of modern technology while confronting the wonders of ancient history. Colour, darkness and quite often nudity become impenetrable, solid components of dreamy, sometimes harsh and provoking images that communicate his ideas and understanding of mankind. Classical imagery is subsumed into his captivating fictive and edgy pieces, easily recognisable by his consistent style, even though he opts for different techniques, exploring his mixed-media horizons.
David Marinos is an artist who chose, or was chosen, to embark on his journey years ago. His rebellious nature managed to escape a child’s daily regime and even though he was born in 1998, to Greek and Ukrainian parents, he has already travelled to Germany, Spain, Russia, France, America, Bulgaria, Asia, hosting solo shows and taking part in great exhibitions. He has already studied art in the US and will probably be moving to London to work and continue his studies. He is currently showcasing his work in Atopos CVC* (Athens), as the opening artist of the Atopos Unlocked program. Atopos Contemporary Visual Culture (Atopos CVC) is a non-profit making, Greek cultural organisation interested in the expression and adornment of the human body. Neos Kosmos contacted David, who opened up, sharing some of his wildest dreams and ideas.
“I started making art around the age of 11 and experimenting outside of my classes. I still don’t know how I have become an artist or if I’m fully an artist, but I create what I want and the results are shown to the public. A lot of Tumblr users saw my work after having been put on Tumblr Radar a few times and from there it’s grown to other social media and more connections,” he says.
“From the start I have never been interested in the things other kids or people my age liked. Because of this I have always been a bit of an outcast. People can label me as whatever they want, but I will always be continuing to create; the experiences and movement in this world are easy for me to look at and define,” David explains as we try to de-code the intimate details often sprouting from the canvas. He is dispensing the original piece with shapes and colour, processing it till it becomes an affective narrative – in an unexpected, fresh and dynamic way- like an adult who has indulged himself in a vast array of experiences.
“I have visited too many places in my opinion, considering – even the places that people wouldn’t like to see. From Europe to America and a bit of Asia, I’ve seen quite a lot. I have a few recommendations to study and overall live in London, so there is a chance I might go there for a long-term period, but I never like staying in one place for too long,” he says – while we wonder how a 16-year-old citizen of the world can convey such strong emotions towards Greek and Balkan history, through such contemporary work.
“I cherish the past from these cultures, because today they all look the same to me, I’m hypnotised by the individuality in the past way of life and the process of creation and creating history. I’m trying to rebirth that process and power in my work, but also in a way that is not easily perceived, I’m trying to create a new culture that will evolve humans from their daily troubles and their short-minded views on society.”
David reckons that everyday life has an influence on him in ways that other people wouldn’t be able to see or feel. The different places he visits and people he meets are also a source of inspiration, but at other times he prefers to dive in his own thoughts, as if there is nobody else on this planet besides him. Photography, collage and glitch, fashion and video art/direction are only some of his techniques. But what differentiates David Marinos from other digital artists, apart from his age and ability to multitask?
“Other than my age, I think I’m bored with seeing artists repeat themselves and creating something that has already existed. It’s a hard thing to do, but I’m always trying to create new visuals and emotions through my work, I’m trying to bring together every energy source in my work and let it out. It’s hard but it needs to happen, because I can’t stand the same old styles and visuals from other artists,” he explains.
The one thing he hates is when people describe him as one type of creative.
“There is no description for me, I’m always trying to change styles and evolve to different techniques, from one medium to another. I’m not just one type of artist. I take on everything.”
His inspiration lies everywhere. He doesn’t have just one way of working and doesn’t like to stick to one process. As for the dark and explicit nature of his images, David insists it has nothing to do with his age. “Those visuals come from a desire to get the viewer in a panic or uncomfortable zone. I’m not here to make someone happy or sad. I try to show visuals and not explain them. If it has to go above extreme then I’m already there,” he tells Neos Kosmos.
Apart from hosting solo exhibitions, taking photos and creating mixed-media installations, he is involved in an array of collaborations – his favourite being with Youp Wehnes, an incredible creative according to David, with whom they share thoughts and advice as well as the young age perspective. David is also founder of Lucent Kids, a never-ending network of teenage bloggers, artists, fashion editors and more.
“We are trying to show a new way of thinking with this network and we are trying to create a new mind state,” he proudly says as his work spreads like a colourful virus on almost every urban-life web platform, centring art. David has also launched his own brand, Icey clothes. We can’t help but wonder what such a promising and rebellious artist might have in store.
“I have no idea where I will be. Ideally, creating more powerful work as time goes by and showcasing it all over the world. I want to go everywhere with my work. I have more projects with more and more artists coming up in the next coming months and years. One of my far-fetched dreams is to be the first artist to create a giant installation with lights on the/a planet.” Quite an ambitious dream, but then again, what good is an artist who does not try to escape the boundaries of the world?
*Atopos was founded in 2003 by Stamos Fafalios and Vassilis Zidianakis. They were recently joined by Angelos Tsourapas. In 2010, Atopos found a new home in the heart of the Metaxourgeio area in Athens. The 102-year-old neoclassical building on 72 Salaminos Street is a typical Athenian residence built around a central courtyard that has now been converted into a contemporary space for exhibitions, events and workshops. It also houses Atopos’ offices and an extensive library, as well as the largest paper dress collection in the world. The Unlocked program celebrates the 10th anniversary of Atopos and its dynamic presence in Greece and abroad, working closely with Greek Ministry of Culture, the Benaki Museum, Robert Wilson’s Watermill Centre, the Athens Festival, ICOM (International Council of Museums), the Municipality of Athens, the Miyake Issey Foundation, the Fondation Cartier and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
For more information visit atopos.gr and davidmarinos.tumblr.com