Meet Iddo Markus

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Iddo Markus again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Iddo, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I’m a contemporary artist working primarily in painting and large-scale installations, with my practice centered on exploring multiple variations of singular images.

Last year, I relocated to Athens from Israel due to the war. These significant life changes and recent events have made me realize how deeply intertwined the artistic process is with my very being—it’s in my bloodstream, helping me maintain focus during chaotic times. Most importantly, this move has allowed me to keep my children away from the conflict zone.

I’ve been engaged in several long-term projects, and a few months ago, I participated in a major group exhibition at a prestigious gallery in New York City. Currently, I’m working towards an upcoming show that will be presented at a museum in Basel next year.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Here’s a more fluent version:

In the last couple of years, I have been working on and exhibiting a large-scale installation comprising 1,400 works, all inspired by an old childhood photograph of my wife. I discovered this photo during a casual family dinner, and it captivated my mind on multiple levels. From a formal perspective, it prompted me to explore the concept of a single portrait through hundreds of variations that diverged from the original photograph, bringing the project’s process to the forefront. Using nostalgic imagery, the work evokes questions about the passage of time and reveals the endless facets and depths that a single face can contain.

I began this project in 2019, and it continues to surprise and intrigue me – how a non-iconic image, a seemingly trivial old photograph, can evolve into a maximalist installation that bridges the gap between a single photographic starting point and contemporary painting.

Alongside this series, in 2023 I opened a small community gallery that I run as a non-profit space, featuring artists I love and admire, as well as hosting live shows and lectures. Avshalom gallery, named after my son, is located opposite my studio in downtown Haifa.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Movie: grey garden by Albert and David Maysles is one of my first loves. .

Favorite Book: night fall by Asimov is master peace

Favorite TV Show: Larry David

Favorite Band or Artist: guided by voices

Sweet or Savory: sweet

Mountains or Beach: beach , or mountains where you can see the beach- an island is my best answer .

Favorite Sport (to watch): Tennis

Favorite Sport (to play): ping pong

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Tennis but I love ping pong and athletics too.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: an artist, in the start a phogrfer but as soon as I moved to NYC when I was 22 I’ve realized I want to be close to color in all his forms.

French Fries or Onion Rings: fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Chuck Rhodes

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Donald Duck

Favorite Childhood movie: E,T

Favorite Breakfast Food: coffee

Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
“I’ve come to understand that as an artist, what matters most is patience and commitment – talent is overrated. I’ve been creating with my hands and heart since I was young. Growing up, I realized that I make art primarily for myself, for my pleasure and well-being, not for the art market or a specific audience. This made me understand that being alone in the studio is truly a gift – a gift of time and of connecting with my primary feelings.

As you mature, you realize life is hard, often filled with sadness, sorrow, and confusion. Being an independent artist can feel like walking in the woods without knowing the way, guided only by your instincts. I’ve had my share of failures and setbacks over the years, but I continue to hold art in its highest form of expression and freedom. I try to protect its integrity while working with galleries, art dealers, and clients.

Starting a family and raising children without a guaranteed monthly income can be terrifying. However, time has shown me that my path (like any other life) is one I walk with great gratitude, thankful for the opportunity to bring a bit of beauty to this complicated world.”

Website: https://iddomarkus.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iddomarkus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iddomarkus/

Other: https://www.artforum.com/events/iddo-markus-247229/

Image Credits
Photogrefers:
Livi Kessel
Youval Hai