About Marcus Darling
Marcus Darling (he/they) is a genderqueer black artist from Chicago. Their exploration into music started in 2007, through the lens of hip hop and RnB. They enjoy channeling the essence of performance art through music with a distinct interest in movement and femininity as it interacts with masculinity. Their artistic journey is rooted in the freedom they felt with the ability to dance, which ignited a passion that transcended the challenges of their home life.
Through incorporating the joy and pain of their experiences, Darling’s artistic expression is a visceral exploration of the human condition. Dance and music become a medium to convey the juxtaposition of their upbringing – moving from a backdrop of dominance and oppression to the liberating energy of communal dancing.
Their art practice is a testament to persistence and the power of shared experiences; allowing us to delve into the complexities of gender, sexuality, societal issues, and race using performance as a tool for critique and probing consideration. They believe in the slow process of repairing the fracture in our collective liberal thinking.
Through the unconventional blends of musical genres, Darling creates an auditory landscape that invites collective accomplishment. In dance, they find space for pleasure and connection, where being seen and understood becomes a profound source of joy. Pain that is not transformed will be transmitted.
Darling’s music and performance are a departure from the norm, a rebellion against established cultural narratives. They weave untold stories from their travels into their practice, akin to unlocking a door to the mysteries of one’s own house. Inspired by their ancestors, Darling infuses their work with a spirit meant to challenge and captivate.
Marcus Darling is looking to break through spaces and have a platform that wants to break barriers, challenge norms, and offer a glimpse of hope through the universal language of dance and music.
