Theodosia Marchant Interview

Artist Theodosia Marchant

By NOAH BECKER December 18, 2024

Whitehot: Where do you get the inspiration for your colors?

Theodosia Marchant: It all begins at the conceptual stage of a series. I'm drawn to bright colors and their interaction, but my choice of core colors depends on the message I want to convey. From there, I develop their derivatives to build the palette. While sticking to these choices can be challenging, maintaining thematic consistency in color is crucial for creating a cohesive visual impact.

The figures in your work are magical but also quite mysterious. Talk about how you develop your images, is it based on dreams?

My work is a blend of autobiography and observation. I'm deeply fascinated by humans—their interactions and reactions often unveil profound psychological insights. When something captures my attention, I feel compelled to explore it on the canvas. For me, creating is as much about self-discovery as it is about storytelling. Every piece reflects a fragment of something I’ve lived or witnessed, but I leave room for interpretation. Faces remain hidden in my work—not to obscure, but to invite. I want viewers to bring their own experiences, to imagine and conclude for themselves.

OIKOS - mural, solo 2024 
 

You paint on the wall a lot but I've also seen drawings by you. The drawings have a graphic quality in the tradition of Keith Haring. Do you also work on canvas as often as walls?

I primarily work on canvas, but for my recent solo show at Shockboxx Gallery in Los Angeles, I decided to step beyond my usual practice and explore something completely different. This exploration resulted in a mural—an immersive, floor-to-ceiling freehand painting that enveloped the entire gallery. My intention was to reimagine the space as a playful sanctuary, evoking the warmth and comfort of home.

OIKOS - mural, solo 2024 

What kind of influences from your childhood have influenced your work?

Growing up in Athens, Greece, has significantly influenced my work. From a young age, I remember visiting museums and archaeological sites, completely captivated by the scenes depicted on the ancient marbles and Greek vases. This early fascination with storytelling through imagery has undoubtedly shaped my love of observation, a central element in my work today.

OIKOS - mural, solo 2024 

Do you have artists from history that inspire you? 

So many come to mind—Picasso, Miró, Gauguin, Klee, Degas, Rousseau, Abramovic, Brancusi, Bourgeois to name a few. Two of the most unforgettable retrospectives I've experienced were in London, where I saw a stunning retrospective of Picasso's Blue Period, and more recently in Paris, a retrospective on Brancusi. Both left a lasting impression on me.

LOVE HURTS - 48X60 - UNSPOKEN DREAMS series and solo 2023

Theodosia Marchant, AS YOU ARE TOLD - 48X60 - UNSPOKEN DREAMS series and solo 2023

Is there literature or music that you draw inspiration from?

I read a lot, especially poetry, and although I can't pinpoint a specific writer who directly inspires me, reading profoundly affects the evolution of my work. Whether direct or indirect, the themes and emotions I encounter in literature often shape and influence the inspiration behind my art.

What do you dislike about the art world?

Like any other industry, the art world has its own spoken and unspoken rules and standards. You can choose to follow them—or not. When I notice patterns or dynamics within the art world that don't align with my vibe or principles, I distance myself and avoid dwelling on them. That said, this journey has introduced me to some truly amazing people, and for that, I'm grateful.

What is coming up for you in 2025?