JESS TODD STUDIO

Alexander Martin | Artist Statement

A nexus can be defined as “a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.” Alexander Martin is drawn to the points of intersection we exist in. They seek the nexuses that stem from seemingly distant concepts where the connection points are muddled – points that are not stagnant, but are in a state of perpetual shift and dynamic change. This is the space where they make work and attempt to make sense.

Martin’s interest in dynamic spaces and chaotic nexuses stems from personally existing in them. They have spent their life balancing those contradictions, seeking a sense of place, and exploring the complexity of who they are. Martin was born and raised in Appalachia, a predominantly white and poor area, raised by a white mother and the strong women of her family in the absence of their black father. They are queer, they are non-binary, they are black, they are white, they are Appalachian.

Growing up visibly Black in an area without representation and without the full, welcoming embrace of the totality of themselves in any one of their disparate communities, Martin has become more aware of self and the social contexts in which they exist. In the absence of wider social affirmation, they have had to focus on who they are, finding their own identity and affirming its value internally. Now, Martin is an artist, an advocate for their communities, a witch, a drag queen, a mentor, and an educator; they reside between these roles and spaces. Through sculpture, painting, performance, installation, drag, ritual, magic, and outreach, they make work that grounds them and represents the nexuses in which they exist and the communities that nurture and support them.

The piece Make-UP! is representative of Martin’s journey with gender and embracing all aspects of their identity and letting them be seen and expressed to others. The title stems from a phrase uttered by characters in the magical girl cartoons they were obsessed with as a young child. Characters in these types of cartoons would shout phrases often ending in the words, “Make-UP!” and transform into glamorous and beautiful heroines. Martin was fixated on this transformation and the drama of costume change for the sole purpose of fighting crime, and would often re-enact these moments while playing with their sister in the backyard.

This childhood game has transferred to Martin’s adult life now, where as a drag entertainer they transform on stage into their own version of a heroine: A glamorous drag persona embracing the aspects of their femininity that were hidden growing up. This has given them the space to express these aspects of self in the day-to-day, nurturing their femininity and letting them better understand their own gender identity, being a non-binary person, and showing that confidently in how they dress. Martin hopes this interactive piece invites folks of all ages to play dress up, to create the look for the person they want to be, to explore identity through expression, and most of all, to play in a safe and inclusive environment.

Alexander Martin is a multiracial black and queer artist and performer living and working in Peoria, Illinois. Born in Hurricane, West Virginia, they completed their BFA at West Virginia University in 2010, and then an MFA in Printmaking from Bradley University in 2017.

Instagram @xander9210

Web alexanderandrewmartin.com