Big Sky Times

MSU BILLINGS NEWS—Montana State University Billings Department of Art is proud to announce the senior thesis exhibition of Carter C. West. The exhibition will be held at the MSU Billings Project Gallery located in the Liberal Arts building, February 11 - February 24, 2023, with a reception at 5 -7 p.m. on February 16. The event is free and open to the public and free parking is available on campus after 5 p.m.

Machinations of the Jolly Queer is a visual investigation of queerness and uniqueness. Drawing inspiration from personal experience and communal collaboration, Carter West has created a multimedia exhibition which looks to expand the notion of queerness. In his work, he unites communities and celebrates collective diversity by rejecting social stereotypes and cultural norms.

West is working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and New Media from MSU Billings. Born and raised in Billings, Montana, he was introduced to the world of art at a young age; whether it was arts and crafts with his mother, playing dress-up at daycare, or finger painting in art class, the seeds of a creative individual were planted. Following this path through high school and then deciding to work towards a fine arts degree after graduating, West enrolled at MSU to major in studio art, but transitioned to MSU Billings to finish his degree. While at MSUB, he also gained employment at the Yellowstone Art Museum working as lead preparator. Identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his curiosity regarding visual language, social expression, and identity has led him to investigate what it means to be a rural queer, creating work under these themes.

Contact Carter C. West at cartercwest@gmail.com or Jodi Lightner, professor of art at jodi.lightner@msubillings.edu for more information.

Original source can be found here.