Who is Marco Luccio?
An international professional visual artist.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I live a life that I have created and love, so I’m doing what I really want to be doing. However, living overseas somewhere, in Spain, for instance, would be something I’d do that’s different. This would also allow me to spend time in London, and then from there get across to New York where I often exhibit.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by great international artists such as Anselm Keifer, and I’m also inspired by beautiful music, movies and theatre. Often I’m swimming with ideas and possibilities when I’m at the opera or ballet as those performances speak directly to me in a visceral and meaningful way.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to think that through my work I can make a difference, stir something in people, for them to be moved, disturbed, excited and inspired, much the way I feel when I’m in front of work I love, or at performances, or listening to music.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris, because, well, it’s Paris, and it gives me butterflies when I think of going there. And I must add, even though it’s supposed to be one place, New York, because it’s gritty, sexy, challenging and exciting. I keep going back every year to paint in my studio at the top of the Chrysler building.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The art gallery of Victoria. I taught there for ten years, so I know the place well. It’s full of incredible art and beautiful architecture, and I love sharing my passion for art with people who are interested.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Tales from the Greek by the award-winning author John Hughes. I have made 200 artworks in response to his writing and the book will be launched in Melbourne this year in November. The writing is incredible, every sentence is full of possibilities, and the stories are poetic and deeply moving. It’s been wonderful reading the stories and I’m powering away to finish the final work for the show as I type this… well, not at the exact same time, but you get my gist.
What are you currently listening to?
I love listening to all sorts of things, 80s music remixes are big these days, yep, Tainted Love never sounded so good, and it gets me motivated to do a workout. I’m also listening to jazz whilst I paint and draw in my studio, Miles Davis, and crooners like Doris Day.
Happiness is?
Living the life you want to live, which I am, after years of working away at it.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, next month is the launch of the new book and exhibition; next year there is a feature film on my work that should be ready for the cinemas; and there is a travelling exhibition of Tales from the Greek starting with Melbourne this year and NSW next year, before more locations around the nation, and hopefully Greece and other places. There is also a theatrical production of The Garden of Sorrows book which I also collaborated on with John Hughes and which I’d like to have performed, as well as an opera of Tales from the Greek. A new book on my 30-year art career is now in its initial stages, and new exhibitions in New York and Miami are planned.
Marco’s new exhibition, Tales from the Greek: Myth, Beauty and Brutality will be presented in the gallery at fortyfivedownstairs: 9 November – 4 December 2021. The Opening Event & Book Launch (with John Hughes) takes place on Friday 19 November. For more information, visit: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com for details.
Image: Marco Luccio – photo by Han Ginger