Meet The Artist: Alexandra Marzella AKA @artwerk6666

Alexandra Marzella is a young artist and strong internet prescence. Also going by Rosey Diamond and @artwerk6666, she’s an NYC performance artist, dancer and selfie-embracer whose work is both physical and out-of-body — personal and public. She also featured in that CK One video alongside Petra Collins, Dev Hynes and Michael Bailey Gates. Photographer Jennifer Medina shot her for Oyster and we interviewed her for a new edition of Meet the Model — Meet the Artist! Get to know the gal and her werk below.

Jerico Mandybur: Name?
Alexandra Marzella: Alexandra Rosey Diamond Marzella-Sejnowski aka artwerk6666

Nickname?
Ally, Zella, Smokey, slut.

Star Sign?
Taurus woman.

Where are you from and where are you currently living?
I’m was born and raised in Rhode Island, the tiniest state. Went to RISD there and now I live in Brooklyn, NY.

What were you into in high school?
Cheerleading, weed, sex and love.

In what ways have you changed since then?
My nose job healed and I’m slightly better at motivating myself to get out of bed.

If you had to describe your artistic output in five words, what you you call it?
a. imagination concept procrastination explosion despair
b. sensual repulsive combative lofty and realistic 

Is it fair to say that you’re interested in interrogating the body and physicality in your work and how did that first come about?
Yes and yes. I’ve been a sexual fiend since the day I was born. I’d say the human body and physicality has everything to do with it.

What did you do for your last birthday?
Ugh. Invited every girl/gay I knew over and died.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever what would it be?
Eternal life will never not be depressing. But if I had to live forever I’d probs just go with my age, 24.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you choose?
I have 4 cats and it’s the best/worst thing in the world. Dogs are dope tho. Horses are like big dogs.

What inspires your art practice and what part does dancing play?
The inability to see myself doing anything else as successfully. Dancing makes everything better. Everyone should dance. Dance is both freeing and highly disciplined, so it’s well balanced.

What’s your favourite song to dance to?
Right now I can’t say but the last time I was dancing consistently everyday, a few months ago, it was probably Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ ’cause that video/song is endlessly inspiring.

What scares you most?
My temper.

Best piece of advice you ever received?
That old ‘if you love someone set them free’ bs.

What is a skill you wish you possessed?
Metal smithing, standing front and back flips, holding my breath for five minutes under water.

What fictional character to you most relate to, and why?
There are sooo many fictional characters in the world/my head so N/A.

What celebrity do you have a crush on?
Paul Rudd/Ying Yang twins but mostly Paul.

Best Youtube clip you’ve ever seen?
Goats balancing on a flexible steel ribbon is one of my faves. I will always love ‘Memorial Day 2000’ because Will Neibergall aka Glasspopcorn is my hero <3

Which three people (dead or alive) would be your dream party guests?
My great great great great great grandmother, my great great great great grandmother and my great great great grandmother.

Do you prefer crowds, small groups or being alone?
Crowds are fun. Small groups are preferable. I am alone often.

What’s on rotation on your soundcloud at the moment?
Thurmon Green, Blood Orange, MARTINE, swallsketches, LAFAWNDAH, Prada Mane, The Prettiots, Nancy Leticia, Nicolas Jaar. pogomix… etc.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Alive. Happy would be cool but that’s asking a lot.

Who else’s work do you admire, who are doing cool things atm?
Literally everyone. I follow 842 Instagrams and am always looking for more via friends and exploring. Also I’ve only had this Instagram (my 13th because I’ve been banned so many times) for seven weeks. IDK Instagram is pretty much the place to watch/be right now. It’s basically the new internet.. whatever that means.

Will you send us a selfie?
One just for you.