Unlike most models, Alexandra Marzella’s conventional beauty is only incidental to her body of work. But then, modeling is just a sliver of what she does. She’s made a name for herself among a band of artistic and driven young women—Tavi Gevinson and Petra Collins among them—by incorporating dance, nudity and unmitigated honesty into her performances and videos. As you find yourself transfixed by her unabashed wriggling, you may begin wondering if what you’re seeing is art or just a twenty-something who has mastered the selfie. Marzella offers us insight into what her artwork brings to the table.

What does a woman your age have to gain by seeing your work?
Maybe a new perspective. Ideally I’d like a woman to look at my images and be entertained to think a little differently about the picture painted of us for us by men. I haven’t been pushing the envelope as much lately when it comes to nudity because it’s become quite tiring. Although I’m still beyond pro nudity, #freethenipple, pro sex work…

What have you taken from modeling for use in your art?
I don’t know if I’ve taken from modeling as much as I have taken from general confidence and exploration.

Given that you are so often the subject of your work, or featured in it, are there any conflicts in posing for a photo shoot?
As an artist I do think of modeling as part of my practice. I’ve never just been a model. I started modeling at RISD for friends so it was always experimental/not commercial. If anything, I think I book most jobs because I’m an artist. Modeling is totally an art form but I think it’s rare for a model to demonstrate artistry in their work.

“I disagree with the way history has shaped certain fundamental systems. And I think more people need to question these things and explore other options.” Alexandra Marzella

What role do you think your art plays in the social consciousness?
I have a viewpoint that is very tailored to my ever expanding understanding of the world and the people in it. I put out what I want to and I hope that it has some positive impact. I try to challenge social norms because I don’t agree with a lot of them. I disagree with the way history has shaped certain fundamental systems. And I think more people need to question these things and explore other options.

How does the work of your contemporaries influence or complement your style?
My peers and contemporaries will always be influencing me and each other. I’m on the internet every day and try my best to get out and around to see things that other people in my communities are doing. I think the most important thing to do is converse about life and our work. It’s easy to be envious without knowing the person behind the images.

The wave of artists you’re often associated with is young, but not exceptionally diverse. If you agree with that statement, why do you think this is the case?
Meh, people are all different. So I could never say I don’t have a diverse group of peers. Diversity has lots of ranges. We all know what they are. I don’t deny there being an unbalanced number of whites to non-whites in my life. I am always trying to understand how to fix this, if it needs fixing. Just because I’m a certain person and I happen to be friends with a lot of people that you could categorize easily doesn’t mean that I’m not trying to touch everyone. Everyone together is the solution of course.

How do current events influence your work?
I’ve never been someone who wakes up and reads all the news. But I do go through phases of introspection that is a response to the tragedies happening around us. I don’t always explicitly name names in my work but I am trying to be inclusive in a broad sense.

Of all the different hats you wear which takes priority in your life right now?
Growing and figuring it out. If that’s a hat.

What are you currently working on? 
I’m working on some photos for Crave magazine’s first issue, which I’m excited about. I haven’t done much in terms of editorial work and this is a new exciting platform for me. Performance has been a focus to some degree in the past few months and I would like it to be going forward. I have to put some things on hold because I’ll be acting in my first feature for the rest of the summer and into the fall. It’s going to be really challenging and I’m ecstatic.

―Ashley Canino
Photos: Natalia Mantini