ARTIST INTERVIEW: ALICE MARCELINO
by Naomi Jackson
Following her work We do Black Hair (curated by Christine Eyene) at Open Source Contemporary Arts Festival 2016, we catch up with London-based photographer Alice Marcelino to talk about identity, ignored stories and interdisciplinary research.
What is your practice, and what is your working process?
I am photographer, recently graduated from University of East London. I mostly use digital formats, though I have a special interest in using medium format film. My work process is very intuitive because the base of my projects come from personal experiences. Nevertheless, I undertake a good amount of research on the subject I am exploring by reading books and essays, watching documentaries and collecting people’s testimonials. This collection of information gives me the understanding of my struggles and inquiries in a much wider context. I also explore other artists’ work in the same subject, not exclusively in photography but also in performance, music, film, dance and painting.
What themes are you currently exploring in your work? How do they materialise themselves, and why do you explore them?
I have been exploring the theme of identity, focused on black identity. As a mixed race individual, the majority of my identity has been formed based on white western standards, neglecting the other side of my history. And why? My work starts with that simple question. Throughout the process, ignored stories are praised, new perspectives are offered and an urgent need for change (of thought) is experienced. It is a constant learning process and that’s why I love it.
What else has been influencing you lately, aside from the arts?
Politics. Brexit and the election of Trump in the USA have driven my attention to the effects of such changes. Nevertheless, I consider this a good time to create art. There is so much to say and we can no longer ignore it.
What are you currently working on? What are you plans for the foreseeable future?
I am continuing my series of portraits on African hair, and working on another project in the same subject. Moreover I am starting, with baby steps, a new project based on my family photography archive.
