ashley nicole martin

ashley nicole martin is the daughter of Mary and John Martin. She creates work that speaks to memory, identity, and the everyday beauty found in quiet moments, familiar objects, and lived-in spaces. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio.

ashley’s artistic practice is an evolving tribute to Blackness, memory, and emotional expression. She challenges the misconception of Black as the absence of color by embracing vibrant palettes that reflect the warmth, complexity, and richness of Black and brown skin. Her series, Bodies in Space, began as a grounding practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrates the physicality and strength of Black women, honoring body parts that are often shamed. The Couch meditates on the presence and ease of Black bodies within spaces, encouraging viewers to consider the quiet power of softness and self-assuredness. Following the loss of her father, ashley began Finding Home as an exploration of memory, security, and home, capturing self-portraits in various spaces that held meaning throughout her journey. Together, these series serve as both personal reflections and universal calls for healing, resilience, and self-acceptance.

As a curator, Ashley brings this same thoughtful perspective to the exhibitions she shapes, creating environments that encourage reflection and connection. She views curation as an act of care—crafting experiences that honor the complexity of human emotion and the power of visual storytelling. Through her dual practice, Ashley continues to build bridges between intimate personal narratives and broader communal healing.

Alongside her artistic pursuits, ashley has channeled her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities into her role as a Community Engagement Internship Coordinator for The Ohio State University’s Urban Arts Space. Building on her experience in education, youth mentorship, and program management, ashley designed and implemented a community engagement internship program that bridges the gap between professional development and social impact. This program pairs young adults with local arts organizations and community placements, offering hands-on experience in the field and fostering skills in advocacy, career readiness, and community collaboration. Through her leadership, ashley ensures that interns are exposed to critical issues within the arts sector while gaining the confidence and skills to lead change within their communities.

In all that she does, ashley embodies a commitment to freedom and dreaming. Her art creates space for those who engage with it to find ease, confront societal expectations, and reclaim their narratives. By sharing her creative journey and inviting others into her process, ashley hopes to foster connections, and inspire others to exist unapologetically in their fullest, most authentic selves.