For the beautiful souls who do not know who I am, I am Alayna N. Pernell (b. 1996). I am a visual artist, writer, and educator from a small town called Heflin, Alabama. In May 2019, I graduated from The University of Alabama where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography and a minor in African American Studies. I am a 2021 graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I received my Master of Fine Arts in Photography.
In my artistic practice, I examine the harsh realities and complexities experienced by Black American women. Visually, I attempt to create space for healthy dialogue to occur. I hold firm to the idea that in order to promote understanding, love, and empathy between each other, it is vital to have difficult conversations.
Currently, I am an Associate Lecturer of Photography & Imaging at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Program Director for the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network.