Arts

A passion inspired by chaos

“Random photos to like, from a photographer to love,” reads the Instagram (@CileyCares) biography of Ciley Carrington, whose senior art exhibition is showing through Monday. 

Filling the Grambling State University Dunbar Hall Gallery, the Los Angeles native uses a combination of photography and digitally generated wors throughout his exhibit, titled “F***ing Up The Streets.” 

The exhibit displays two dozen photographs based on a riot between L.A. police officers and attendees of the Downtown Art Walk, in which protestors feuded with law enforcement, resulting in some being arrested, shot with rubber bullets and handcuffed. 

As a contemporary artist Carrington said the birth of his artistic platform came from looking deep within himself. 

“After beginning work on this exhibition, I came to the conclusion that I am my own controlled chaos. Although I am attracted by the idea of rebellion, usually everything has to be perfect for me,” said the 23-year-old art major, whose concentration is in digital art.

As a dual artist, Carrington says that his photos speak literal meanings, whereas his digital artworks are his own interpretations of either what his photos say or the emotions he feels when he sees the photo or while he was shooting. 

Admitting that his project was like birthing an original idea, Carrington said his exhibition took nearly the entire semester to prepare because there is a process that students must go through, from faculty approval to mounting pieces. 

He says his talent began in high school, and then revitalized itself in 2011. Carrington said even though he’s passionate about his work, he wants those who attend the exhibit to develop their own definition of F.U.T.S. 

“I want the viewers to make their own decision on what the work gives off. My work has meaning to me, but it could mean something different to the next person. 

“I’m not big on drilling my meaning or thoughts of the work on to a viewer,” said Carrington, who is photo editor of the campus newspaper The Gramblinite,.

He describes photography as a show of emotion at its highest or lowest point or something that is just memorable.

Carrington’s art is driven by the ability of manipulation within art, as it can make anything look like something (else) and can be expressed with the use of a canvas, brush, spray can or a can of paint. 

Initially inspired by dreams of having his work published on ads, Carrington says his experience has made his use of photography and art extend far beyond those early dreams. 

“Now that I’ve shot more, inspiration for my photography is more of capturing moments in time or memories, because you never get to relive those great times of life. 

“I think of myself as a person who is documenting my life,” said Carrington, who is often seen on campus riding a longboard and carrying multiple cameras. 

Submerged into photography, which he vehemently says is an emotional release, Carrington is unsure what his future plans are, but he has begun the building stages in starting his own photography business called BLANXPHOTOS, but he usually gives his art to a friend or family member if it doesn’t sell. 

According to his business Instagram biography, Carrington describes himself as a “photographer trying to show all of what the eye may not capture.” 

The senior art exhibition, a required capstone course within the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, allows students to showcase their work.

Carrington’s artist reception, which is open to the public, will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.