ETI introduces Ma-Lik Nasir – Changing the art of photography one shot at a time

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To comprehend the creative mind of Ma-Lik Nasir, one must first examine his mentor, the legendary Gilbert Young.

Gilbert Young stands as a towering figure in the art community, celebrated not only for his evocative work but also for his unyielding commitment to preserving and promoting African American culture. As a painter, muralist, and activist, Mr. Young has spent over five decades creating art that captures the essence of the Black experience in America. His work transcends aesthetics, serving as a bridge between history, community, and identity.

One of Mr. Young’s most iconic works, “He Ain’t Heavy”, depicts a Black man lifting another, symbolizing unity, resilience, and support within the African American community. This image has resonated across generations, cementing Young’s legacy as a storyteller who captures the struggles and triumphs of his people.

Beyond his art, Mr. Young’s contributions extend to mentorship and advocacy. He has worked tirelessly to elevate Black artists, ensuring their voices are heard in spaces that have historically excluded them. Through initiatives like community mural projects and workshops, Mr. Young has nurtured a new generation of artists while fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Gilbert Young’s art challenges societal norms and invites viewers to confront issues of race, inequality, and social justice. His work remains a testament to the power of art as a tool for education, empowerment, and change, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the art community.

With Mr. Young as his mentor, it’s evident why Ma-Lik, the future contemporary in dazzling 70s inspired photography feels immense pressure to create the next masterpiece. His view on taking models (professional and amateur) and transporting them back in time, depicts the subjects in a mosaic of creative black and white images, fragmented shapes, rhinestone and stylish Afros. He makes each model become so grounded and perfectly comfortable in their own space, that the models come to life on film usually pictured portraying themselves as if they lived in an era that most of them were never born in.

For the past decade, Ma-Lik Nasir, a native of New Orleans currently residing in Atlanta, GA, has focused on creating portraits various formats. He skillfully photographs his subjects as if they were his lumps of clay, molding them into works of beauty through his lens. This approach challenges conventional notions of femininity, sexuality, and blackness in art history, particularly given the complex role of black bodies in 19th-century paintings.

Outside of academic circles and gallery scene, Ma-Lik Nasir is a Renaissance rock star in his own right, renowned for his work mirroring his faith within the Nation of Islam. ETI coined Ma-Lik‘s artwork as post-black and post-fist due to its nuanced rebelliousness.

Ma-Lik’s work is helping to inspire the next wave of art, which is predicted to be more culturally diverse. He is demonstrating that current developments in art validate the ongoing African American movement.

Ma-Lik, an avid follower of the art of photography, studied the works of prominent African-American history makers such as John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlet, Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold and Charles W. White. With Gilbert Young as his guiding light, Ma-Lik will one day be included in this illustrious list. Remember, you heard of him first here at ETI!

I cherish the opportunity to know you,

to be apart of your life, and to create imagery

your heart will swell over for many years to come.

My camera is the perfect tool to capture my culture and diversity in the human family, in the best light.

– Ma-Lik Nasir