EP 33 • Melissa Alexander
About Melissa
Growth and vulnerability form the foundation of Melissa Alexander’s work. In particular, she focuses on the inter-relational intimacy that exists within the African diaspora, encouraging the model and viewer to lay down their guard. Her work is her protest, her rebellion, her chance to strengthen and control the Black narrative that has been washed, overlooked, and undervalued. Currently, she is working on projects related to the evolution of the Black girl into a Black woman.
SHOW NOTES:
Website: www.phyllisiller.com
Where are you based?: Atlanta, Georgia
Camera Brand: Sony
Most Influential Photographer:
Jamel Shabazz
Favorite Lens:
The 85mm is my favorite because it's the lens of vulnerability. It creates a level of intimacy that draws the viewer in and makes the person in front of the lens completely accessible.
In your opinion, what is the most/least diverse field of photography?:
The most diverse field of photography would probably be portraiture, as it's easily approachable. There's an incredible lack of diversity within nature photography.
What do you consider the biggest hurdle for Black photographers today?
I'd say the biggest hurdle that Black photographers encounter is that we are often pigeon-holed into "Black" themes. We are not a monolith.
