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Mars

@mars.orbit

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Multidisciplinary Artist
Create Change Fellowship 26’ @laundromat_proj
“TRADE” Jan 2027

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Acceptance (2025)

Film Photography : @azelionmanuel
Makeup : @krystalgemsart.mua
Styling : @mars.orbit by @mars.orbit

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9 months ago

One night, while I was scrolling on Tik Tok, I came across an Asian American using the word “trade” in their content. Something about how it sounded made me upset to the point where I had to rewind the video and hear it again. The term appeared in a context I had never heard outside of Black queer spaces, which was a misappropriation and therefore wrong. “Trade” was being gentrified and much like other aspects of Black culture without acknowledgement of its origins. Then I asked the question of whose job is it to preserve Black queer culture and protect it from erasure. The answer came back very simple, “You.” “Us.”

Artist Statement

My practice as a multidisciplinary artist centers, preserves and protects Black queer culture through community-collaborative, research-driven work that foregrounds our lived experience, cultural memory, and promising yet uncertain futures. My work spans across multiple mediums that include photography, sculpture, installation, mixed media, and fashion while relying on my community for oral histories and community dialogue shaping both the process and final form, allowing my work to function as a living archive of modern and historical Black queer culture that is often commodified and duplicated but never appreciated for its origins. I aim to foster spaces where we as Black queer people can see ourselves reflected with nuance, dignity and value while building art that supports creative labor, collective healing, and sustained dialogue. My work is both an artistic intervention and a community resource rooted in care, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Film Photography : @azelionmanuel
Makeup : @krystalgemsart.mua
Styling : @mars.orbit by @mars.orbit

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9 months ago

Bio

Mars(b.1987 Statesville, NC) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work preserves the history and modernity of Blackness, queerness, and cultural visibility. They examine how Black American queer identity, desire, and representation are monopolized and erased within systems of white supremacy while celebrating the resilience, prowess, and beauty of Black life and death. Shaped by a Southern upbringing, lived experience, survived traumas and community, their practice is rooted in a commitment to amplify and protect Black queer culture, resisting its commodification
without compensation.

They hold a BIS in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Psychology and Education, from Johnson C. Smith University, and an MA in Special Education from St. John’s University.

Based between New York and London, the artist works across multiple mediums. They are self-represented, maintaining direct control over the circulation, context, and conditions of their work.

Film Photography : @azelionmanuel
Makeup : @krystalgemsart.mua
Styling : @mars.orbit by @mars.orbit

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9 months ago

Palm Resonance, 2026

Join me today at Weeksville Heritage Center for
@laundromat_proj Shifting Systems for Change from 6 - 8:30 PM.

I’ll be debuting Palm Resonance and sharing more about the work as I celebrate the closing of the Create Change fellowship alongside my fellow artists. We made it! by @mars.orbit

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2 days ago

Unfinished Projects, 2026

This exhibit takes you through @solangeknowles process from idea to sketch, to fabrication while showing all her mood boards and inspirations along the way. A bulk of my practice is research, the part nobody sees but this exhibit shows just how important it is to document and honor that part of the process. My favorite part is that you have to walk through the process before you get outside to the copper sculptures. Knowing and appreciating the process makes you consume the art with deep gratitude.

It always you for me. @solangeknowles
Oh, and who makes those shorts?! I need them.

Excellent job! I have never experienced anything like this. @googleartsculture @google by @mars.orbit

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20 days ago

I left @thearmoryshow deeply inspired and ready to work.

#theamoryshow2026 by @mars.orbit

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21 days ago

Happy POPSTAR to those who celebrate!

Congratulations @tinashenow ⭐️ by @mars.orbit

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22 days ago

Join us(@coralinarodriguezmeyer, @outofseam_ + myself) with @laundromat_proj at @tranquility.farm.us for a day of hands-on community care as we work to rebuild, repair, and maintain the farm. We’ll be rebuilding garden beds, fixing water tanks, repairing the chicken run, cleaning gutters, re-stapling perimeters, and making tools for the farm.

This day continues our Create Change Fellowship project “Plant Memories” with the @laundromat_proj that celebrates the legacy of Ena McPherson @yeoldehouserestoration, Yvonne Bennett, Mona Sebastian, and Ruth Phillips, Bed-Stuy women and land stewards whose work helped transform vacant lots into thriving spaces for food, community, knowledge, and connection.

Whether you have carpentry experience, know your way around some tools, or simply want to lend a hand, come through!

Beverages + snacks will be provided.

📍 Tranquility Farm
659 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
📅 Sunday, September 13
⏰ 12–5 PM

Come help us care for the farm and carry their work forward. by @mars.orbit

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a month ago

Black American culture is international currency. Can’t you tell? taken in Notting Hill, London by @mars.orbit

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a month ago

“What’s above a ball? A dick!” - @lex_p_

Yesterday was so hot and fun!
Mamdanistan is full of new energy, I got a new Madonna album and @angelcherrybeauty is in NYC eating the content up! taken in New York, New York by @mars.orbit

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3 months ago

THE Black trans superstar! Big Mama Don on film @aakoshabentley

Blacktopia Juneteenth Block Party @lgbtcenternyc
June 20, 2026

NO ONE pours love into the community like you do. Always in awe of your heart and intentions @yohontheoracle 💐

📸 @mars.orbit by @mars.orbit

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4 months ago

I’m learning that creating art can feel very lonely but then I realize I’m just in deep conversation with myself.

Thank you @justicedwight & @nigel_s_richardson for curating Loving Ourselves Into Existence and including my work. It’s such a beautiful show at @chromophore_artspace that centers Black queer art. If you’re in or around Richmond, VA the show will be up until July 26.

The Enigmatic & Midnight TRADE paintings are a sneak peek into my TRADE Series that will debut next year. I’ve been working really hard on this multidisciplinary universe and look forward to welcoming you to be a part of it. by @mars.orbit

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4 months ago