Dionna Bright - Self-Portrait Artist
2024 Fall Resident Artist, Goodyear Arts
Charlotte, North Carolina
Biography
Dionna Bright is a self-portrait artist and portrait photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, who uses photography as her primary medium to delve into the layered realms of memory, vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience. Through her practice, she reclaims personal history and reshapes the narrative of self, employing materials such as fabric, relics, wood, and vibrant colors as tools of transformation. Whether captured in the studio, at home, or within nature, her self-portraits are meditative acts that reveal the complexity of the human experience, inviting both tension and release.
Infused with whimsy and a surreal atmosphere, Dionna’s work invites viewers to reflect on their own temporal journeys. Her visual storytelling is enriched by unique props, creative set designs, and intentional color grading that amplify the depth of each image. Demonstrating an appreciation for distinctive landscapes and backdrops, she seamlessly integrates these elements to craft compelling visual narratives that capture not only her boundless existence but also the essence of those she photographs. Her art empowers introspection, healing, and unbridled self-expression, resonating as a testament to authentic and diverse experiences.
Artist Statement
My art stands to explore and document personal growth, evolution, and emotions that reflect a deep connection to spirituality, authenticity, history, play and unrestrained expression. The depth of my visual storytelling is enriched by unique props and attire, creative set design, and intentional color grading, complemented by thoughtful posing. My appreciation for distinctive landscapes and backdrops is intentional as I incorporate these elements into visual narratives, capturing not only my boundless existence but also the essence of individuals as my subjects with my Nikon camera.
I invite viewers to reflect on their own temporal journey. At the core of my artistic pursuit is the empowerment of individuals while my work serves as a catalyst for introspection, healing, engagement, and the unapologetic exploration of new dimensions. I am dedicated to capturing authentic moments, and each piece in my portfolio stands as a testament to the diverse range of experiences I unfold through my lens.
Education
2018
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Residencies
2024
Goodyear Arts, Charlotte, NC
QC Family Tree, Charlotte, NC
Exhibitions
Solo & Two Person Exhibitions
2023
SIGNS, Solo Show, Flux Galleries
Glimmers of the Hidden and Seen, Dionna Bright & Ashley Kauschinger - The Light Factory
Group Exhibitions
2024
Fall Residency Showcase, Goodyear Arts
QC Family Tree Residency Showcase, Arts Factory
2023
Local Street, The Mint Museum
Our People, Arts Council of Fayetteville
Selected lectures, publications, radio
Charlotte is Creative gives out HUG Grant, WBTV QC Life, Charlotte, North Carolina
Black Women Behind the Lens Panel, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Charlotte, North Carolina
Photography and Authenticity Artist Talk, The VAPA Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
2022 The Charlotte Observer - The unexpected way ‘a source of joy’ wound up as the model for a giant uptown mural
2022 WBTV QC Life - Charlotte is Creative gives out HUG Grant
2022 SHOUTOUT ATLANTA - Meet Dionna Bright | Professional Portrait Photographer & Self-Portrait Artist
2023 VoyageATL - Meet Dionna Bright
2023 Sistories - https://www.sistories.org/issues
2023 - WITH ASC FUNDING, A FAMILY WITH DEEP CHARLOTTE ROOTS SHARES ITS STORY WITH THE WORLD
2023 - ArtsPlus - A Seat At The Table podcast