Alayna N. Pernell

Alayna N. Pernell (b. 1996) is a Lecturer in the Photography & Imaging Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A Black American artist and educator born in rural Alabama, she holds an MFA in Photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2021) and a BA in Studio Art (Photography) with a minor in African American Studies from The University of Alabama (2019).

Education:

• MFA, Photography, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• BA, Studio Art (Photography) & African American Studies, The University of Alabama

Her artistic practice explores the intersection of Black mental wellbeing and the physical/metaphorical spaces Black people inhabit. Her work has been exhibited nationally, including at the Griffin Museum of Photography, Chrysler Museum of Art, and Colorado Photographic Arts Center, and featured on platforms like Lenscratch and Humble Arts Foundation.

Scientific & Artistic Recognition:

• 2020-2021 James Weinstein Memorial Award
• 2021 Lenscratch Student Prize Finalist
• 2021 Lenscratch 26 to Watch
• 2021 Snider Prize Recipient