This work is inspired by sketches I started while traveling in Morocco in May of 2018 and in Mexico in January of 2020, which I finished drawing in locked-down New York. Over the past years, travel has become an important element of my work. I feel it engages that collective sense of wonder that makes you feel alive and in the moment. The name of my new exhibition, “Pink Moon,” refers to the first full moon of the spring, the largest and brightest full moon of the year. It is also my favorite Nick Drake album.
Before I went to Morocco, I was feeling burned-out from doing sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, two films, and four art shows in a year. Morocco renewed my mind. I was overtaken by the brightness of color and its combinations. Before that trip I was using muted earthy colors, but afterward I was into brighter colors.
My trip to Mexico further opened up my color palette and influenced this series of drawings. The country, which I have been to more than 30 times, has been a huge influence on me. In 2007 I spent half a year in Guadalajara, working on ceramics at a foundry owned by Jose Noé Suro. The nature there is so lush and beautiful, and the people are so kind. Both trips gave me the spark that makes the work exciting.
Originally planned for David Zwirner Paris, "Pink Moon" moved online because of the pandemic. Marcel Dzama will show new work next year at David Zwirner New York.
This article appeared in the August/September 2020 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.