David Christopher Orrell (b. 1992) is a fine art photographer born and raised in Newark, NJ, with a discipline in portrait and documentary photography; his work is influenced by community, fashion, and black culture. Growing up in Newark and utilizing his experience as a black queer, Orrell's creative objective is simply to reflect concern for truth and beauty in the world. Orrell's very deliberate and subtle use of light and color creates intimate atmospheres of mystery, leading to a rich intensity between the lens and his subjects. By capturing quiet moments of glamour and sonder anchored in realism, Orrell's body of work encompasses the reality of his growth as he seeks both his individual and cultural identity within the medium.
CV
Grants
2023- The City of Newark, Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Creative Catalyst Grant.
2022- Project for Empty Space, Newark Artist Accelerator Grant.
2021- The City of Newark, Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Creative Catalyst Grant.
2020- The WBGO Community COVID Response Mini-Grant.
Exhibition History
2022 - Artful Healing, Curated by Adrienne Wheeler, Newark Arts, Newark, NJ
Photography Associations
2021- Newark Artists Database - Project Empty Space Inc.
2020- Up Next Photographers - Diversify Photo.
Publications & Media
Christopher, D. (2020, December 18). Album artwork. Clarity (Acoustic)- EP, by ByHaze, Camp Clarity LLC.
Christohper, D. (2020, June 5). Photo. The Tension Between #Blacklivesmatter and Black Respectability Politics, by Nakia Alston. Medium.
Christopher, D. (2020, May 12). Artist Submission: David Christopher. pnpplzine.com.
Christopher, D. (2019). Film poster image. The Rest Is Just Noise, by Christopher Hall, Hall Brothers Moving Company.
Panels
2022 – UNFCU's Talk About IT: Winter ’22 Panelist, New York, NY, February 25.
2022 – Paul Robeson Galleries’ Artist Talk: Spring ’22 Panelist, Newark, NJ, March 24.
Portfolio Reviews
2022- Up Next Photographers, 1st Annual Portfolio Review - Diversify Photo.
2021- Paul Robeson Galleries
2021- American Photographic Artists- APA Los Angeles
2021- Lens Culture
Education
2015- B.A. & M.A. in Mass Media Communications, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ.
