Local Artist Lights up the Night – Zoya Martin

InkCloud understands the importance of supporting local artists. In honour of that, we will be taking a closer look at some of the talented humans around our western suburbs, through a series of Artist Profiles.

Our first artist in focus is Hobsons Bay’s Zoya Martin. Her contribution to the upcoming Art and Industy Festival – Night Shift, is generating much excitement, as she looks to light up the West like never before.

Altona-based artist, Zoya Martin is “singing proud” – preparing to light up Logan Reserve on Saturday November 24, with her art installation, Night Shift.

Having strong ties to the Hobsons Bay community, Zoya was inspired by her parents to get involved, “My mother was a primary school teacher who, over the course of her 48-year career, taught at almost every school in Hobsons Bay. My father was a member of Apex and used his engineering skills to build playgrounds and other community projects on weekends. My grandfather served in the Altona Council for 25 years, serving as Mayor for two.”

With a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice and an Honours Degree in Graphic Design, art was always going to be the way in which Zoya would connect with her community. Through illustration, ceramics and photography, she finds great joy in “representing the people of Hobsons Bay . . . in unexpected and engaging ways.”

Inspired through her sister’s commitment to nursing, which often involved many 12-hour night shifts, Zoya developed a sense of curiosity about the working lives of others. Night Shift also provided an opportunity for Zoya “to explore light, or the absence of it,” attempting to capture the atmosphere of night, through her use of ambient light only – no small thing in photography.

Zoya observed for many nights, shooting the unguarded moments, across a range of industries. The results reveal the surprising world that exists in the dead of night. Night Shift, much like the workers it represents, will do its best work in the dark. An outdoor light installation – the faces of industry will come to life at dusk.

Zoya is hoping to shine a light on the humanity and beauty that exists after the sun sets:

“In the dark of night, while most of us are sleeping, night shift workers toil away. The work they do is vital to the community but is often unseen. Night Shift reveals the human side of industry . . . Workers share how they stay connected with their loved ones, what it takes to push through a 12-hour night shift, how they stay awake when their bodies are desperate for sleep, and what it’s like to watch the sunrise as they drive home.”

From an Operations Technician at the Mobil Altona Refinery, to a gaming attendant at Seagulls Nest in Newport. Sergeants with the water police squad, and artisan shoemakers –  industries that shine alongside the stars. Zoya Martin has “found another home . . . on the night shift.”

Melissa Longo

#inkcloud #creativity #artandindustryfestival #artistprofile #altona

Night Shift is showing at:
‘A Night in Newport’ – Paine Reserve, Saturday November 17, from dusk
‘A Night in Altona’ – Logan Reserve, Saturday November 24, from dusk
Launch: Pier Street Stage, Altona, Saturday November 24, 9pm
Free events.

Presented as part of the Art & Industry Festival 2018
artandindustryfestival.com.au