A Conversation with Artist Mariella Bilitsa
January 2022 - No. 8
Mariella was born in Gjirokastër, Albania and raised in Athens, Greece. Her contemporary artworks are decorated with intriguing narratives of everyday moments and balanced with surprises of comic relief and complexity. Her charming scenes are centered on funny characters that feel relatable and real, like the people you’d find at your local street market. Her brushstrokes are free, whimsical, and accompanied by vivid colors, creating an intoxicating scene. Through an intimate observation of her environment, Mariella takes us on a more colorful journey of the everyday routines we know so well.
Mariella Bilitsa
How do you define “art”?
Art is anything that helps someone discharge and recharge their batteries from the bustle of daily life.
What makes you feel most alive when you paint?
The entire creative process moves me! I primarily create narratives in my work, and I often feel like I am part of each story. This notion keeps me motivated while also bringing a sense of calm when I paint.
“The Woman with the Red Carpet”, 2021
How do you want your audience to experience and appreciate your art?
I want my audience to understand that I find joy and inspiration in the simple things in life. I believe I represent this concept in my work because I show scenes of everyday moments. I am inspired by the simplicity of a walk in nature, a conversation with a neighbor, or observing people shop at a bazaar. I think I bring a thoughtful perspective to viewers by showing stimulation and interest in the natural everyday.
What has, so far, become one of your most rewarding accomplishments as an artist?
Having global exposure! Hearing responses and reactions to my work from people across the world is very fulfilling.
“The Man Doing the Dishes”, 2021
Tell us more about the tapestries and ceramics you started creating during the pandemic.
Yes, I started transferring my creations into tapestries and ceramics! The painting process is much more flexible than ceramics or tapestries. When I paint, I can easily change something that doesn’t feel right, but I can’t do that with the other mediums. When working on a tapestry for example, I must calculate my entire process from the start: determine the colors, lines, etc. If I make a mistake while working on a tapestry, I have to remove the entire thread and start from the very beginning! Ceramics require incredible patience, and I am lucky to have my partner, who is a sculptor, help me along the way to reach my desired result.
From Bilitsa’s Tapestry Series, 2021
How does living in Greece set the tone for some of the subjects of your work, if at all?
Yes, of course it does! Beyond observing the everyday life around me as a catalyst for creation, I like to play with cultural stereotypes and add a dose of humor. For example, I’ve depicted narratives of men washing clothes or doing the dishes. I am building a paradox and deconstructing the usual images we see.
“The Man Who Cuts The Onions”, 2021
Can you please describe the Greek art scene?
I often feel the great artists of the past cast a shadow on the current Greek art scene. There are many skillful young artists here that can enliven the industry, but don’t yet have enough exposure. Many artists have full-time jobs in conjunction with their platform as an artist. Managing a job to provide substantial income to feed artistry is tough. Becoming a full-time artist here is a slow and unsustainable process. The artists have fresh images and a profound love for their subject and mediums– the talent is certainly here!
What value or perspective do you feel you provide, or want to provide, to the Greek art scene?
I strongly believe my paintings have appeal to a wide global audience who are not necessarily involved in the art scene. I find that anyone can identify with my work because of the common and traditional scenery and narratives. I feel painting is a powerful platform that can be understood by the entire world.
Keep up with Bilitsa on her Instagram here
