‘Not For Them’ founder Marcarson photographed in his studio by Charles Roussel
Founding ‘Not For Them’ in 2016, New York City artist Marcarson has created a space which eludes distinctions between art, fashion, and design. LUX Contributing Editor Maryam Eisler speaks to Marcarson about his beginnings in LA, art responsibility, and voyeurism
Maryam Eisler: Who is Marcarson?
Mark Carson: Marcarson is an entity occupying a body.
ME: What was the environment like when you were growing up? How did it influence the way you see the world today?
MC: Very religious and a little dangerous during those times in Southeast Los Angeles.
‘Alive With Pleasure’, oil on canvas, 2019
ME: Can you remember the first moment or experience when you realised you wanted to become an artist? Was there a specific event or person who sparked that desire?
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MC: It was 2016. I would watch my son during the day. During a routine monthly visit from the exterminator he saw that I had made 3 pieces, he enjoyed them and asked to take a photo to show his wife. I see him again the next month and his wife wants to speak with me. She tells me she works for Banksy’s pest control and the artwork I’m making is exciting and I should continue with it. She also tells me to get classes to learn to paint but I didn’t go that far.
ME: If your art could speak, what would it say about you?
MC: Buckle up with this one.
Marcarson’s fashion design under the studio ‘Not For Them’, photographed by Maryam Eisler in Soho New York City
ME: What’s the most unusual or unexpected experience you’ve had while creating art?
MC: I don’t think I’ve had any… yet.
ME: You also write – does your writing inform your art and vice versa?
MC: The truth is I don’t write. I enjoy photojournalism, voyeurism…
ME: Tell me about life and work in Brooklyn.
MC: I hardly leave my place.
Marcarson’s Brooklyn studio view with ‘Brunch Series’ (2025) photographed by Charles Roussel
ME: How has fatherhood informed your art?
MC: Laeth is my go-to for when I need someone to tell me if my work is shit or not. Children can be soul crushing with opinions.
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ME: If you had to create a piece of art based on a memory, what memory would you choose, and how would you represent it visually?
MC: There’s a memory of my mother’s memory, in which I’m biting the hand of a preacher trying to pray for me when I was a toddler. I would make it into a stained-glass window for churches.
Marcarson’s ‘Fabric Wash’ (2024) in collaboration with Catherine Walsh, photographed by Maryam Eisler in Soho New York City
ME: Is there a piece of your own work that you’ve struggled with the most, and why? Do you still think about it?
MC: There is one piece I wish I never let go. I’m still figuring out how to get it back.
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ME: Your art can be tough to experience at times. Entangled, bordering hostile. Explain that to me.
MC: This is a good one. I’ve started to notice that there are two styles of my art: one is cheeky, dark humour, poking fun at society, and the other is a result from love interests that didn’t work out and my way of expressing the heartache, love and disappointment.
‘Creating these furniture pieces that are actually art and not a design passing off as art gets me excited’ – Marcarson
ME: You have also dabbled in design, chairs and furniture. Tell me more.
MC: I have an undying thirst for design and interior design. So creating these furniture pieces that are actually art and not a design passing off as art gets me excited! Eventually I would love to do a whole line of furniture pieces.
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ME: ‘Not For Them’ – how did it start and what does it mean?
MC: Good’ol ‘Not For Them’ or ‘NFT’ as I was calling it before the bullshit took over. It started in 2016 when I was given a gallery space in Long Island City near Moma PS1. A space for me to do my thing. As for meaning – if you have to ask it’s not for you.
‘As for meaning – if you have to ask it’s not for you’ – Marcarson. Photographed by Maryam Eisler in Soho New York City
ME: What’s something you’ve learned from creating art that has affected how you live your everyday life?
MC: Creating art has helped me get over not showing vulnerability. It’s also the perfect tool to express opinions without getting into too much trouble.
ME: Do you think art has a responsibility?
MC: Art responsibility? If it’s not evoking some kind of emotion you are failing.
ME: What does the future hold for Marcarson?
MC: There are some plans in the works for sure. I don’t know what they are per se (finally can use that in a sentence) but I know there’s a future.
