Ky Smiley is a Columbus, Ohio native photographer who explores his own relationship with masculinity, blackness, and queerness through introspection of his family dynamics. His photos often question the storytelling that surrounds his identities. He is pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Ohio State University with minors in Education and African American and African Studies.
Within “The Creatives” pilot residency program Ky will be working under the photographic visual fine arts discipline. “The fact that a camera and a deep passion and respect for others can result in someone or something being seen in a new, potentially thoughtful way is what inspires me to continue in this field.