Relentless Honor
Jamila Martin
December 4-January 15, 2027
Opening Reception: December 4, 6-9pm
Free and open to the public
Aurora PhotoCenter, Efroymson Gallery
1125 Brookside Avenue, Suite C9, Indianapolis
At times it feels like the life of a creative and the life of a caregiver couldn't be more intertwined. Other times it feels as though they couldn't be more distant from one another. The advice that “if you can find the time to work at your craft, you should” is equal parts true and guilt inducing since time is forever slipping through the hands of someone caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment. It’s unpredictable. It is relentless.
For most artists, projects start and stop...and start again. For me personally, they inspire and revive when developing and shame or frustrate when stagnating. Rotating between back burner and lifeline while everyday responsibilities march on, and the tug of war of time persists.
It is an honor to care for my mother as she once did for me as a single mother of two. But the physical demands of caregiving, on their own, can fill the pages of any calendar as quickly as they can clear one when something unexpected occurs. As the day-to-day duties of full-time caregiving change (and they do...often), how are our loved ones changing? How is it changing us? Do we have to give up every inch of who we are to walk this path, or can we move through this journey together and still emerge intact as individuals? I hope so. For as long as I can, I want to try.
These works are a tribute to that struggle. Of having more 'to-do's" than time to do them. To connect with ourselves as more than just the caregivers we are. Less-than-perfect circumstances like lack of time or money, no set location or lack of ideal equipment, can and have stopped me in my tracks when I know the benefits grabbing my camera and heading out the door, regardless, would bring. These works are a reminder that I very much need the creative outlet of photography to alter my perspective and sustain this life. Whether I have the perfect circumstances, shot, opportunity or not. And I thank you for coming and sharing in their imperfect display of progress.
Jamila Martin 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.
Annual operating support for Aurora PhotoCenter provided by the City of Indianapolis through the Indy Arts Council. Additional annual support provided by the Efroymson Family Fund, Joy of Giving Something Foundation, Inc., Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Indiana Arts Commission, Aurora Members, and donors who believe in Aurora’s mission.