Student's self-portrait earns him national recognition; he's the only artist from a HBCU

You can have the talent but if you don't work hard the talent means nothing. This does not apply to Brandon Coley, Online Producer and Graphics Editor for The News Argus.

Coley, computer graphic and design major from Muskegon, Mich., is one of 41 collegiate artists to have work displayed in the ‘Self, Observed' juried exhibition in conjunction with Rembrandt in America.

The exhibition showcases the exploration of identity that occupied Rembrandt van Rijn throughout his life.

The works can be seen in the N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh Oct. 30 through Jan. 31, 2012.

"When it comes to my passion for the fine arts, I don't play any games," Coley said.

"It is my career, and I take it seriously."

Inspiration drives all of Coley's work, and the piece he used in the competition was no different.

"The painting is a symbol of my inner rage," Coley said.

The work of art is a 24-by-28 inch self-portrait.

"All of my paintings are emotionally driven."

The 41 artists are from 14 colleges and universities nationwide, and Coley is the only artist from a HBCU.

He said that maybe his winning will open up more doors for other artists at HBCUs.

"I feel like this is the opening to the next chapter of my life," he said.

"You could say that it is a glimpse into the future."

Coley has won numerous awards since he became a student at Winston-Salem State.

He won awards from the Black College Communication Association and the N.C. College Media Association for his outstanding graphics and editorial cartoons published in The News Argus.

The winning submission was an oil painting entitled ‘Khepera.'  

The term comes from the name of an ancient Egyptian god associated with self-regeneration and self-renewal.

Coley has been experimenting with mixed media including aerosol and oil paints in his most recent works.