Art By Madison Leigh
Artist Statement
Throughout all of my artwork, my goal is to capture as much emotion and individuality for whatever the subject matter is, whether it be a model, an object, or nature itself. The photography I produce is used to capture the raw elements of life, consistent through nature as a whole and human nature specifically. As I travel through the world capturing the essence of humanity, highlighting different cultural aspects, while emulating the energy of each environment, to produce individual works of art. The central focus of the drawings and paintings I create is Black beauty and its representation; working mostly with charcoal and graphite, but with the occasional use of paint and ink. Blackness is something I want all of my work to exude, in all of our beauty, our creation, our strength, and our originality. I want to step away from having to draw the onlooker’s attention solely to our pain and struggles and have them focus on the power of Black beauty across the African diaspora. Capturing raw Blackness in a world that has used, abused, and killed us over our natural gifts and features, drawing attention back to those who have been born with these beautiful traits, while highlighting our beauty and talent for all to see. My use of multiple mediums has allowed me to freely release my creativity while maintaining the same interests; showing appreciation and love for other cultures and my own in tandem.
Bio
In April 2024, Madison Leigh Carter was featured in the article 'New Ideas for Used Materials' in Maryland Today, University of Maryland's official news source. Carter was enrolled in the art course, 'Paint on Site,' lead by Professor Brandon Donahue-Shipp. This course focused on creating large instillation pieces while partnering with the organizations Community Forklift and Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS).
In May 2024, The University of Maryland Department of Art presented an outdoor screening of ‘Black Excellence, Feel Her Eminence Transcend.’ A compilation of new works of photography and video made by Madison Leigh Carter and one additional artist in the Spring 2024 semester in their directed study with Prof. Charlotte Richardson-Deppe. Via portraiture, Leigh offers new perspectives on Black feminist photography, tackling themes of empowerment and belonging. Leigh’s work seeks to expose the raw emotions of young adulthood via contemplative and intimate portraits.​
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In the same month, Madison Leigh is featured in the documentary 'Blended Canvases,' by the artist Francine Bonsu. Bonsu created a documentary interviewing three University of Maryland artists on their craft and their experiences in the art world.
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On November 12, 2024, Madison Leigh was selected as a volunteer photographer at the 15th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala at Cipriani on Wall Street hosted by Kenan Thompson, Darlene Rodriguez, and Malik Yoba.
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Released on June 2, 2025, Madison Leigh is featured in the film 'Forgotten Strangers,' by the artist Francine Bonsu. Bonsu created a silent French short film that traces the quiet unraveling of a women's trust. She waits... for hours... for a man whose intentions were never romantic.
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On September 25, 2025, Madison Leigh Carter performed with the Lyle Ashton Harris at the unveiling of his piece 'Ombre À L'Ombre' at MoMA during their event Artist's Party: Destination Unknown.
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On November 12, 2025, Madison Leigh Carter was selected to return as a volunteer photographer at the 16th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala at Cipriani on Wall Street, hosted by Kenan Thompson, Darlene Rodriguez, and Malik Yoba.
On November 13, 2025, Madison Leigh Carter showcased 4 works of art at the Pancakes and Booze Art Show held at the Brooklyn Monarch. She also sold smaller prints of her photography.
