The Exalted One

Written by: India Fitzgerald

                 

               ATLANTA- Aaliyah (aa-lee-yah) derives from the Arabic language meaning "high" and "the exalted one". One would also say that Aaliyah means "ambitious, kind-hearted, and out-going" and even "amazing, amazing, amazing!". These are the words used to describe photographer, Aaliyah Arrington, a New Jersey native by ways of North Carolina, residing in Atlanta.

Aaliyah Arrington in action 

  "She sees what many people overlook, she finds hidden treasures within chaos" said by Jay Byrd, a close friend of Ms.Arrington.

    Arrington's keen eye brings you into her world of finding beauty in the "forgotten". Aaliyah's black and white photography is best described as raw, emotional, and unmistakably Atlanta. The Atlanta resident prefers to capture candid moments of people, places, or things in a way that is straight to the point and to the soul.


   The urban creator spreads her positive vibes on her social platforms, sharing her daily morning affirmations. They range from music lyrics to mantras.

"You a paper chaser, you got block on fire
Remaining a G, until the moment you expire
You know what it is, you make nothing out of somethin'
You handle your biz and don't be crying' and sufferin'," one of her many affirmations using lyrics by New Orleans rapper Juvenile.

   

"Finding a million dollars in the hood" Jay Byrd's description of Aaliyah's photo of an
abandoned house in Pittsburg neighborhood of Atlanta

   "I love myself which allows me to love others", quoting another affirmation informed by Nikki Harris, Aaliyah's girlfriend. The Atlanta creative uses affirmations to evoke positivity for the day understanding the harshness of what the world can bring. In 2004 the Atlanta photographer's mother made her transition to the other side, giving Aaliyah no choice but to learn how to cope and remain positive.

Nikki Harris's favorite  photo "A man with his trombone on Lenox Ave"

 Now Ms.Arrington has integrated other creatives as apart of her journey and family. Most known as Chinese Food, which is a collective of Artists from all facets ranging from painters, graphic designers to chefs. 

      Better explained by Nikki Harris, "A collective of artists with each member having their own style, and purpose. When you mix it all together you have something for everybody. They create Chinese Food. Everybody Eats!"

        Aaliyah's spirit is a true testament of finding gems in what some may call an "ugly world". But as a wise man once said "it takes pressure to create diamonds". Follow this link to find more of Aaliyah Arrington's work.  

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Aaliyah Arrington and members of Chinese Food