FOR THE LOVE OF THE ART: Kwazar Martin

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA | KWAZAR MARTIN

INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK PHOTO KWAZAR MATIN

”I’ve seen few succeed and many fail, for me you had to choose what side you wanted to be on and put the work in.” - Kwazar Martin

VALIDATED: Being born and raised in Indianapolis, what’s your earliest memory of visual art?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I’ve always loved cartoons and would draw them while in school. My earliest memory is drawing Transformers… most likely the change of details. But by middle school I was heavy on the lowrider culture and would draw them often.

VALIDATED: Growing up, at what point did you begin to realize your artistic talents?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Started very early, I mostly remember winning awards in elementary and having an art piece in The Children’s Museum in the 3rd grade.

VALIDATED: You started off drawing but at what point in your career did you decide to transition from drawing to doing murals?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Well in 2020 during the pandemic I decided to give it a shot so I practiced in a warehouse space and grew from that point. The transition wasn’t difficult at all. Once I figured out how to scale the size difference and work the cans it got pretty easy.

VALIDATED: You grew up in one of the roughest areas of your city, how did that motivate you to succeed?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I’ve seen few succeed and many fail, for me you had to choose what side you wanted to be on and put the work in.

VALIDATED: Are you self taught or have you had any formal art education?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I’m self taught but have gotten pointers from friends along the way.

VALIDATED: Which visual artists influenced your style and what if anything did you borrow from them?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Well I have a few favorites Yo Fossco, Timmy Sneaks, Kaws, Menas and King Saladeen. I took a little bit from all of them depending on what I’m working on. I use them as a reference to spark ideas.

VALIDATED: What was it that pushed you to pursue art beyond just a causal hobby?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I’ve been an artist pretty much my whole life but after catching a drug charge I had a lot of time to think about what direction I wanted to go and it’s been up from there.

VALIDATED: Who’s had the most memorable reaction to your work?

KWAZAR MARTIN: My mother, I did a mural of her and posted it on Mother’s Day. She teared up a bit which is rare and said “Most people never get to see themselves like this while they are still living.” Truly a dope moment for me.

VALIDATED: What’s your proudest moment and/or achievement thus far in your career?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Being featured in the IndyStar with a 2 page spread about my story.

VALIDATED: You’ve also been featured in The New York Time, what can you tell us about the feature?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I did a project for March Madness and that’s how the feature came about. It was a small mural on a platform that visitors could take pictures on.

VALIDATED: What makes the IndyStar feature more memorable to you than the New York Times feature?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Well the IndyStar told more about me and my story, plus it’s home and that was a big deal for me. Shoutout to Mykal McEldowney for putting that together for me.

VALIDATED: As an artist, what does art and freedom of expression mean to you?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Simply to move freely and create whatever visions you have in your head. It’s a language, a silent but strong one that the world can relate to.

VALIDATED: How has Hip Hop influenced your art?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Hip Hop is a timeline for moments in my life, I’ve always done portrait work of my favorite artists over the years.

VALIDATED: What is your creative process?

KWAZAR MARTIN: It’s usually a spur of the moment thing. I have an idea put music in my ears and go.

VALIDATED: What's your reaction to how the Hip Hop community has embraced your work?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Honestly it’s been an overwhelming amount of support. I’ve met or done work for some really dope individuals from Benny The Butcher to Starlito, Red Dot and Quanie Cash to name a few.

VALIDATED: What’s next for Kwazar Martin?

KWAZAR MARTIN: I’m currently working on a collectible figure and also planning a mural tour to hit some major cities this year.

VALIDATED: Where can the listeners find and support you on social media and the web?

KWAZAR MARTIN: Instagram: @kwazarMartin

Website: Www.kwazarmartin.org