Artist statement

My work is about structural and systemic oppression, and gendered violence. I focus on marginalized, underrepresented, and targeted groups, including trans, non-binary, women, LGBTQIA+, religious and ethnic minorities, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities. I examine how people view, discuss, depict, and handle these topics. I critique how the legal and justice system, mass media, cultural beliefs, and actions perpetuate these inequalities. I share the stories and experiences of those who are underrepresented, looking at oppression, trauma, healing, and the strength of individuals in the face of such adversities. I ask viewers to reflect on their own thoughts and behaviors and consider how the issues at hand impact our individual and collective identities. My goal is to create informative art that gives more attention to these injustices, encourages examination and participation for change. I ask viewers to reflect on their own thoughts and behaviors and consider how these issues impact our individual and collective identities. My work is informed through contemporary issues, first-hand stories, research, and my own lived experiences.

bio

Jenna studied photography at Speos Institute of Photography in Paris, France and went on to study at Rhode Island School of Design. During the time at RISD, Jenna worked under Annie Leibovitz, Mark Katzman, and Dusty Kessler. In 2016, Jenna graduated with a BFA in photography from Rhode Island School of Design. Jenna moved to Los Angeles and in 2017 worked for Lauren Greenfield, in 2018 worked for Alexa Meade, and by the end of 2018 Jenna Carlie Photography and Design was opened for business. Between 2018 and 2020 Jenna worked on various photographic series for different private collections in the Midwest. In 2020, the Saint Louis Art Museum hired Jenna as their travel contract photographer and later as their in house photographer, where Jenna is still employed. Jenna is currently getting an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and is expected to graduate in 2024.

Jenna’s work on mass media, technology, the body, gender, sexuality, trauma, healing, and social justice issues began in 2015 with the work, What is Sexy. A social documentary in which millennials spoke about medias impact on how they see themselves and others. The series exposed various ramifications that come from media that misinforms, lacks diverse representation, creates harmful stereotypes, objectifies, glamorizes violence, manipulates, and so on. Jenna has continued to produce major bodies of work which tackle these issues in a variety of ways.