Don Tinling’s gallery, “Backspace”, was featured this week at Cal State University Long Beach. Don began working in film production in 1990 and in 1997, decided to pursue a career in digital media because “[he] has a love for photography”. To further his education, in 2010, he began studying at Santa Monica Community College and then transferred to CSULB.
“Backspace” was dedicated to the idea that “when something is removed it creates a space for something else”. This is a reference to Don’s personal experience with the HIV virus and AIDS. Don was originally diagnosed with HIV in 1989 and by 1996, he had full blown AIDS. As of today, the HIV virus is still present in his blood but fortunately, does not pose as an immediate threat. Don’s gallery features blood vials that represent the timeline of years of Don’s survivorship. The gallery also contains a set of continuous footage that was shot before social media exploded. Don encourages pursuing artists to “talk about what is personal in your life. It will affect more people because they can relate to it”.
Emma Madsen 