November 11 - December 10, 2022
In Situ
Melissa Alcena
TERN Gallery is proud to present In Situ, a solo exhibition by Bahamian photographer, Melissa Alcena. In Situ represents the dichotomy of Alcena’s approach as a both documentarian and fine art photographer who centers Bahamians in their totality. The exhibition comprises over twenty (20) photographs spanning Alcena’s practice over the past five years. With an opening reception on Friday, November 11th, from 7pm to 9pm, In Situ is on view through December 10th, 2022.
In Situ is a testament to Alcena’s dedication to kinship and an ode to the landscape. Alcena conjures beauty within the ordinary for those of us who frequently traverse our islands and forces the expansion of the visual vocabulary and gaze of those who visit. This exhibition pulls together five years of conversations, on-going relationships, and ever changing landscapes and puts them on display for our investigation.
Melissa Alcena
Alcena’s practice is the lens through which she reintroduces herself to the Bahamian landscape. Through this exploration and reintroduction, Alcena documents people in situ, expanding the visual tropes often exported from the Caribbean. Stylistically, Alcena grounds the image in chiaroscuro while balancing the natural colors of the terrain. Often in conversation with her subjects, Alcena’s photographs are a testament to kinship and an ode to the landscape.