Uma Voices: Nina Ashley Bach

Name: Nina Ashley Bach

Nina's Instagram: @Anakrojak

Tell us more about yourself and what you do

I am a loud, proud, emotional mixed woman+ who collects pieces from my life to curate an inviting space for others to ponder and connect. I, without intention, embarked on a tough journey of self discovery. This ultimately led to the unlearning and subsequent relearning of the parts of me that were given externally to what I actually felt internally. As a workshop facilitator and artist, I explore themes of identity, belonging, woman+hood and community from an ever evolving decolonized perspective. My academic background in art history and colonial history played a part in the storyteller and mediator I am today. Ultimately, my wish during mediation is to create a safe(r) space to dive into the parts of us that may be left untouched, put away, uncertain of through conversation, writing and movement. Practically this is done through conversation and movement.

What inspired you to start this journey, and why is it meaningful to you?

Growing up mixed in a country that was neither of my backgrounds led to this constant realm of confusion when it came to identity. Where you are from always seemed to be the largest part of who you were and how to belong. My business, Anak Rojak, which means mixed child in Bahasa Melayu, was birthed from wanting to make a space where this grey space in the middle often overlooked could then be highlighted. I am everything all at once, my culture, heritage, ancestors and experiences runs through my blood and whatever your perception of me, does not change my existence. I cant think of not having done something around these themes of identity, belonging, community and woman+hood - it wouldnt have been living true to my talents, which consist of bridging the gap of conversation and being.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned on your journey?

Community is everything. Ive been so blessed with the people i have met through my journey, who always gave me support, uplifted me, gave me advice, showed up. Having left home when i was just 15, and being so far away from family, finding and curating my community was what carried me all these years away from home.

What do you want other people to feel when they see your work?

Two things, to either feel represented, something i never had the luxury of saying and to either start or find their way back to themselves. Through my words, how i carry myself, my presence - let it be a reminder to do the damn thing and always be true to you.

What does being a woman+ mean to you in your industry?

Being all the words I was always made to feel shamed for - loud, proud, and a bitch.

Why does it matter that women+ are visible in your space?

because women+ are first and foremost who i do this for - when women+ are not told what to do but given the tools to curate their own lives, we will only see more love, understanding and peace in every corner.

How do your well-being and your work influence each other?

I am fuelled by my work - being able to mediate conversations surrounding topics close to my heart but also see the spark or thought process or discovery beam out of someone reminds me why i stay doing what I do. Being a cancerian woman+, I cant deny my urge to care and make space for others to explore.

Who are the women+ that inspire your work?

Every woman+ I come across, there is either something they heal in me or something im reminded i still need to heal from. We are ever evolving, and i cant strive or ask for perfection when i myself will always be evolving. The women+ who inspire me do so in the most subtle of ways yet i carry that power with me everyday.

What drives you to keep creating and doing what you do?

Adolescent mini me who only could dream of what I so bluntly embody today.

What’s next for you, and how can we support you?

Whats next is more workshops and performances! I dont want to lose sight of both my role as mediator but also as an artists exploring the many layers that make me, me! Support for me comes from bringing my name up when you hear of an opportunity. It takes one mention to snowball a whole new chapter in our lives!