Jamila Martin
2025 Aurora Workspace Residency
During her two-week residency at Aurora, 2025 Aurora Workspace Resident Jamila Martin will concentrate on developing film and making silver gelatin prints for her project Caregiver’s Journey, which documents the lives of those who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Martin writes of the project:
“I have a BFA in photography from Indiana University, South Bend, and spent much of my college career traveling and documenting various NPOs, artist groups, and cultural differences and similarities. About 4-5 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I took a step back from running my business, moved her in with me here in Indianapolis, and became her full-time caregiver. This was a bit of a shot in the dark as I had no previous caregiving experience, knew no one who had been in this position before, (certainly not someone my age - mid 40’s at the time), and I struggled to find resources/support systems for people in my position. It’s sort of odd when you think about it. There are all kinds of support systems and social circles that celebrate the beginning of a life (baby showers, day care, mom groups, play dates, discounted education, food and cost of living expenses, etc.), but there are very few resources that lend support to those caring for loved ones toward the end of their life.
Friends and family of caregivers tend to disappear at this trying time because there is a stigma around talking about end of life. It’s not “fun” or “sexy” to think about one’s own likelihood of having to care for someone at some point. Or worse yet . . . to think about someone having to care for us when we are aging ourselves. But the truth is, we’re out here. Men. Women. Spouses. Siblings. Children. Caring for our loved one as they age and trying to still find joy and connection and humor despite the inevitable progression of the disease that is a daily reminder of just how fleeting life and its many memories can be. Making contact, inviting for coffee, offering to come and hold space in our environment just watching tv or even just calling to check in can be the small gesture of normalcy we so desperately need. I want people to see us. Really see us.
I've been reaching out to people I know through support groups I’ve found over time who are on this journey and are allowing me to tell their story through my lens. I’ve shot my first subject in Florida and have plans for 5 more shoots in the next 4-6 weeks. The end goal is publication of a book that shows our real lives — the ups and downs — and shares how normal this is and how simple it can be to support someone in the caregiving role.”
Jamila Marin has a BFA in Photography, with additional studies in Psychology and Art History, from Indiana University, South Bend. She is also the sole proprietor, designer, and photography for the company Eye4Design.