Photographer, Writer
Meet Nalani Martin (she/her)
Nalani Martin (she/her) is a Jamaican-Canadian emerging multidisciplinary artist who specializes in photography and writing. Nalani has always had a fascination with the arts from a very young age. People often found Nalani nose deep in a book, writing short poems and stories. She has since then explored various art forms, including dance, guitar, and visual art, at community centres. Photography eventually captured her heart when she first took a photography class, held a camera, and learned the basics.
Nalani has shared her creativity with her church community, presenting various songs and poems, but eventually came to a stop between 11 and 12 as she became unsure of the quality of her work and lacked confidence. Since then she gained confidence in her art and skills with Flaunt-It.
Through Nalani’s art, she explores the world around her in an attempt to create visual and written pieces that allow people to feel seen, understood, and less alone through storytelling. She won an Open Mic contest for her poetry, which took place at The Spot, and later presented the same poem at the 13th Annual Black Creek Community Farm Festival. As Nalani continues to grow, she plans to document the beauty of everyday life and encourage conversations of vulnerability and self-discovery.
"A Youth’s Perspective"
Poem and Photography Series By Nalani Martin — Artist Statement [EXCERPT]
While I might be a quiet person, my art is loud and demands attention. My photography and poetry have always given me the opportunity to share my thoughts with others. Through this, I have been able to find my voice and identity in a world that tries to silence me as a Black woman. My piece, “A Youth’s Perspective,” uses both photography and poetry to explore the societal pressures put on the younger generation to have their futures all mapped out before fully knowing themselves. It explores the feelings of trying to keep up with those around you. The famous question, “What do you want to be?” and my inability to answer it inspired this piece. Through my photography, I show careers that people often hear about at a young age, busy and moving, while my main character tries to hold onto her childhood.
I made this piece in hopes that it would comfort those feeling lost about their future. I also wanted to spark a conversation on changing the mindset of young adults who feel a need to have it all figured out. Throughout this piece, I try to highlight the pressure faced when trying to pick a career that is right for you, while everyone else seems to be telling you to hurry up. I hope that people can connect and know that it is okay to move at their own pace.