MFA Fine Arts presents a talk by Rachel Martin, an enrolled Tlingít visual artist based in Queens, New York.

Martin’s work explores a unique perspective on the Tlingít cultural traditions of her family history alongside her lived experience as a city dweller. Her capacity to weave the rich imagery of Northwest-coast iconography and imbue them with her distinctive voice has translated into inventive drawings that center Indigenous sovereignty and tribal identity as a source of joy and strength as well as humor and playfulness Martin’s work will often center Matriarchal figures in positions of action to tell the stories today while honoring the oral history of her people that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to her contemporary art practice, Martin is a beginning level Tlingít language student. Her works are often inspired by the overlay of English and Tlingít concepts of family, home, and humor.

“Talks” is a series of lectures by artists, writers, and critics, presented by MFA Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts and held on Tuesdays at 3:00pm at 133/141 West 21st Street, Room 101C, and on Zoom. Participation in the Q&A is limited to MFA Fine Arts students attending the lecture in person.

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