Photo credit: Saint Street Photography
"I believe that an artist is a political statement, because you are charged as an artist to observe the world thats around you and raise the consciousness of your people. Amiri Baraka and Nina Simone says that an artist is supposed to be an observer of the suffering that is occurring around you, then being able to articulate that for people to digest and to make some sort of action. The emergence of Social Media has transformed the term "artist" into "creative," blurring its original essence. Creatives now primarily produce commodities for commercial exchange. This commercialization opens avenues for capitalist exploitation. Personally, I am actively engaged in reclaiming the term "artist," rather than use the term"creative." This distinction resonates with me as a means to preserve the integrity of artistic expression for its true purpose.
Acknowledging the significance of self-identification, I recognize the empowering nature of embracing the title of "creative." Nevertheless, I am disheartened by the gradual erosion of power experienced by artists due to this linguistic shift. The exploitation of creatives through modern platforms further underscores the urgency of reclaiming the true essence of artistic identity." - Julian Elijah Martinez
On a rainy Saturday in Brooklyn, we caught up with with actor, broadway star and Yale school of drama Alumni Julian Elijah Martinez. Julian's acting credits is vast ranging from the stages of broadway's network to hit televIsion shows like Law and Order: SUV, and Wu-tang: An American Saga on HULU where he got his breakthrough. Asides his charm and honed charisma ( are we surprised after all he's a theater kid), Julian's profound knowledge and devotion to the art is something to write about. In this urban executive interview, Juilan offers valuable insights into reclaiming the essence of artistry in a world dominated by social media metrics, he eloquently discusses navigating the arts industry, the need to redefine success on personal terms and resist the allure of superficial validation.
How would you say your artistic journey started? For me, it all began during my elementary and middle school years. My father lived in San Francisco, and my younger brother and I often spent time with him there. We were fortunate to participate in after-school and summer programs led by local artists. One such place, still vibrant in memory, was the Mission Cultural Center in the Mission District. The center aimed to showcase the rich tapestry of Latin American artistry prevalent in San Francisco, particularly among the Mexican immigrant community. It was within these walls that my brother and I were introduced to a myriad of artistic expressions – from silk screening and painting to dance, theater, and photography. These experiences became woven into the fabric of my childhood, shaping my identity as I frequently engaged in writing, drawing, acting, and dancing. As I progressed to high school and pondered my future, it was my drama teacher who suggested I pursue theater at the undergraduate level. Unsure of my path, I followed this guidance and applied for theater programs. Through auditions and perseverance, I secured a place at a school, followed by another opportunity, and eventually found myself admitted to the Yale School of Drama. Moving to New York and landing a role in the TV show "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey – my first major breakthrough.
How do you reclaim your artistry in this digital era? That's a good question! Firstly, I think it's endowing the label with what it's supposed to be. Secondly, and admittedly more challenging, is resisting the pervasive notion that value lies solely within the platforms themselves, rather than in the creative content generated. We've basically been gaslit into thinking that the platforms are the things with the value, rather that what we create to be the value. We are turning to instagram and tiktok as the thing that is important, rather it is what people are creating on those platforms that are important. The creators actually have more power than the people running the platform give us credit for. And I'm not sure how you do this but I think if you can get the creatives to understand that aspect of it, you then give power back into the workers, do you know what I mean?
Social media's ever-shifting metrics perpetuate a cycle of pursuit, keeping individuals fixated on unattainable goals. If you keep shifting the metrics, people will continue the cycle of pursuit just like a hamster on a wheel or a donkey chasing the carrot on the stick. The donkey never gets the carrot and the hamster's chase keeps the wheel running. It’s how these social media platforms keep the engine running.
Personally, I've been prioritizing self-expression and embracing moments of relaxation and reflection. By disconnecting from the pressure to constantly produce, I'm reclaiming agency over my creative process.
In this modern age where art is relentlessly reduced to mere reels and social media soundbites, the question arises: Can artists remain true to their craft and still find success? It's a perennial challenge. Firstly, as an artist, creator, or simply a creative individual, defining your own version of success is paramount. If your definition aligns solely with society's norms, be prepared to constantly adapt and tailor your output to fit market demands.
This often entails immersing yourself in social media, as it has become the primary stage for visibility in today's society. However, if your measure of success diverges from social approval, a different conversation unfolds—one between you, your inner convictions, and perhaps a higher power.
Now, let's talk about the allure of social media metrics. As I mentioned earlier, they've been positioned as the golden standard of validation. Yet, let's not confuse popularity metrics with genuine capital. A like, a follow—they're not currency, not in the tangible sense. But in the virtual realm, they hold sway, dictating perceived worth and influence. And so, we witness actors from Netflix productions venturing into the TikTok, seeking to amplify their presence and prove their commercial appeal.
When an actor secures a role on Netflix and subsequently indulges in TikTok dance videos, I can't even fault the actor because the actor is trying to go from Netflix unto something bigger. It's a strategic maneuver to demonstrate marketability—to both society and producers. . Essentially, it's saying, "I can draw attention to your product, and in return, I expect appropriate compensation." In this light, leveraging social media metrics becomes a means to an end—a pathway to broader opportunities and financial reward.
What is your metric for success?
That's a good question! I really don't have any because I fluctuate from wanting to pursue that and wanting to do something different, therein lies my great anxiety. I think a lot of people, particularly in my generation sit in this weird space where as millennials, we know what the world was before we had the internet metric and we admire a lot of artists that did not come up with this metric. However, we live in a world immersed it and we also understand it's reverence. So we tend to fluctuate between wanting the success of our fore-bearers, but also understanding that we can't do what our fore-bearers did in order to get that success.
Given all the challenges within the art industry, what motivates you to remain a part of it?
It's an excellent question, and truthfully, I don't have a definitive answer. We've touched on spirituality before and I believe that many artists feel a sense of calling, whether it's from a higher power, the universe, or something deeper within themselves. This calling compels us to observe the world around us with a keen eye, not merely as spectators but as interpreters whose purpose is to articulate what we experience. Personally, it feels as though I've been called to this path; I don't see any other option but to pursue it. Not everyone experiences this calling—it's what distinguishes a artist from someone who simply possesses creativity. While all humans have creative potential, not everyone feels the innate drive to constantly create as a means of self-expression.
Let's indulge in a little imagination and envision a world where artists are celebrated for their authenticity. What might that world resemble?
First and foremost, there would need to be a fundamental shift in how we perceive and consume art. Artists would no longer be relegated to the fringes of society; instead, they would be intricately woven into its fabric. I believe this shift would necessitate the implementation of some form of universal basic income. Artistry, by its very nature, requires time and dedication, and not all art is easily marketable. Thus, providing a basic level of financial security would afford artists the freedom to pursue their craft without the constant specter of financial insecurity looming over them. This transformation would elevate art from its current status as the lowest common denominator, granting it the reverence and recognition it truly deserves.
What advice do you have for emerging artists of this generation?
I recommend getting a hobby, a hobby outside of whatever you are doing. You need something that you can do just for yourself that you can't commodify. An activity that is also an expression of your creativity so that you can keep yourself engaged on something else that brings you joy. Because as soon as you try to turn your art into a business, it can very quickly become demoralizing.
Do you have any projects coming up we should know about?
Absolutely! I'm excited to share that I have a feature film premiering in LA on April 6th titled 'A Thousand Faces,' costarring Iman N Milner and Nzinga Imani, directed by Elton Loud. Screening tickets are now available at www.superloudstudio.com