Shenae Grimes stars on a fluffy CW show about well-off beautiful people. Off the 90210 set, the Canadian actress, 22, has real depth, as seen by her moving photographs in the Art Basel exhibit, Travelers. Her exhibit, showcasing homeless people in the Los Angeles area, will be shown Saturday evening at a private, Bing-hosted show at The Sanctuary Hotel.

Last year, while filming the upcoming indie Sugar, about a homeless woman, Grimes researched her role by visiting with vagrants in Venice Beach. What she saw moved her, and one day she started shooting. Before she got on the Red Eye, we talked to her about the show; the proceeds go to My Friend’s Place, a small shelter in Hollywood, Calif.

If you weren’t an actress, would you be a photographer?

I don’t know if I’d call myself a photographer. I never set out to do that. If I see a subject that kind of speaks to me and moves me, I’ll take a picture. I like portraits and showing what I see in people. If I’ve captured their essence, then I guess I’ve done a good job.

Is this your first time coming to Basel?

It is. Not that many people know about it in L.A. When I told people I was going, they were like, ‘Huh? What?’ It’s a city not really known for its culture [laughs]. But my friends in New York are thrilled for me. I’ll try to sneak out and see some art while I’m there.

Will you be able to enjoy Miami?

We’re filming season 4, and they only let me out on Saturday and Sunday so I am just staying one night. I’m used to planes though. I’m that sleeping-mask-earplugs girl. I have no shame. My mask has Hello Kitty on it! I think I’ll be running on adrenaline.

Was it your intention to bring awareness to the homeless situation?

I have grown up going to soup kitchens and handing out hats and scarves to shelters with my father during the holiday season. I want to show other people what they’re missing because of stereotypes and the way society treats the [homeless]. We overlook them and write them off in a very narrow compartment in our minds. Unfortunately, that’s where the divide comes from. Now with the recession it’s a good time to see that it can happen to anyone. As human beings it’s our responsibility to kind of take care of each other when we can.

How did your photos come out, in your opinion?

I used a 35 mm old Pentax that I shoot with. Don’t mind the pixilation, it’s intended! They vary. The majority are black and white; that’s what I prefer. Though those with color are very fun, kind of washed out. I think they all capture the energy of Venice Beach and find beauty where you don’t normally see it.

What’s up with “90210?’’

Nothing too crazy. It’s already been revealed that my character Annie starts randomly becoming an escort. I can’t really speak to that; I don’t know many girls who’ve gone down that route! It’s all good fun for CW fans. Honestly, the issues that are dealt with, I guess they’re extreme, but the kids that tune in love going on the journey with us. They aren’t necessarily influenced by the show so the pressure’s off. We’re not teaching any life lessons; we’re entertaining. That’s what’s important; and it all seems positive.

Madeleine Marr

More info: http://officialshenaegrimes.com