“Sadness and happiness have no choice but to coexist, so we must laugh even in very difficult times.”
The Spark of Creativity: A Childhood Rooted in Discovery
Marie-Claude Marquis, a multidisciplinary artist based in Montreal, Canada, has cultivated a creative journey steeped in her lifelong love of discovery and transformation. Her upbringing played an integral role in shaping her artistic path. From an early age, thrift shopping became a cornerstone of her life, thanks to the influences of her grandmother, who volunteered at a vintage costume store, and her mother, who brought her to flea markets weekly. These experiences ingrained in her a passion for unearthing forgotten objects and sparked her imagination to reinterpret them in meaningful ways.
For Marquis, the act of finding special items in unexpected places—whether in church basements, garage sales, or antique shops—is not only an essential part of her artistic process but also an exhilarating experience. The thrill of discovery fuels her creativity, as each found object becomes a canvas for her signature hand-painted typographical interventions. This intuitive connection to her medium underscores her practice, allowing her to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Her transition from enthusiastic thrifter to professional artist was an organic evolution, shaped by her innate creativity and formative environment. From painting as a young child to hosting exhibitions in local cafés as a teenager, Marquis developed her artistic voice through exploration, eventually studying graphic design and visual arts. This multidisciplinary foundation became the bedrock of her unique artistic identity.
Marie-Claude Marquis: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Marquis describes her artistic style as “Rococontemporary,” a distinctive blend of kitschy romanticism and sharp typographical commentary. Her works juxtapose the delicate aesthetics of traditional mediums with bold, often provocative phrases, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. From repurposed plates and vintage needlepoints to velvet squares and wallpaper designs, her practice embodies an interplay of visual art, graphic design, and space design.
Central to her work are themes that span the spectrum of human experience—consumerism, technology, religion, the environment, and sexuality. Whether addressing lighthearted or weighty subjects, Marquis approaches each with a compelling intensity, imbuing her pieces with a sense of relatability and depth. Her fascination with contrasts, particularly the relationship between old and new, defines much of her creative output.
One notable hallmark of her process is the transformation of anonymous vintage objects into thought-provoking artworks. She breathes new life into these artifacts, layering them with modern interpretations that invite viewers to see them through a contemporary lens. By doing so, she preserves the stories embedded in these objects while adding a fresh narrative that reflects her unique artistic perspective.
A Studio of Memories and Momentum
Marquis’s workspace is as eclectic and inspired as her creations. A sprawling 12-foot table serves as the heart of her studio, accommodating multiple projects simultaneously. This expansive setup is essential for her dynamic process, allowing her to freely engage with the many facets of her creativity. Surrounding her are shelves and walls adorned with vintage plates, art materials, and objects she has collected—each a potential catalyst for her next piece.
Her approach to work is deeply intuitive, characterized by alternating periods of intense production and reflective pauses. After the completion of a significant project or exhibition, Marquis allows herself to step away from the studio, embracing distractions and recharging her creative energy. This rhythm ensures that when she returns to work, she does so with renewed focus and enthusiasm.
Much of her inspiration stems from the objects she encounters, as well as the podcasts she listens to and the experiences she lives. While she admires the work of other artists, her primary muse lies in the artifacts of the past, which she reimagines through her unique lens. This personal connection to her materials gives her work an authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences.
Marie-Claude Marquis: Art as an Homage to Life and Loss
One of the most personal and poignant chapters of Marquis’s career came in the wake of her mother’s passing in 2023. In response to this loss, she created a series of funeral urns as part of an exhibition that served as both a tribute and a cathartic outlet. These urns, adorned with raw and humorous inscriptions, exemplify her belief that joy and sorrow can coexist. The project became a celebration of her mother’s vibrant life, encapsulating Marquis’s ability to find light even in moments of profound grief.
Marquis’s work often draws from her family history, intertwining personal narratives with broader cultural motifs. Among her most cherished inspirations are two Valentine’s Day cards from 1895, discovered in her mother’s belongings. These intricate, lace-like treasures, which belonged to her great-grandmother, have inspired a dream project: recreating them on a large scale using painting, laser cutting, and printing. This envisioned endeavor symbolizes her commitment to honoring her heritage while pushing the boundaries of her creative practice.
Her preference for working with a variety of mediums, including plates, embroidery, installations, and wallpaper designs, speaks to her love for experimentation and her desire to keep her practice fresh and engaging. Whether through the revival of forgotten artifacts or the integration of her family’s history into her work, Marquis’s artistry is a testament to her ability to weave personal meaning into every piece she creates.
