Artist Talk: Melissa Alcena

Welcome to the Artist Talk withMelissa Alcena Join us on Thursday March 12 2026 at 6:00 PM for an evening filled with creativity and inspiration. This event will take place at Shine Portrait Studio @Express Newark, where you'll have the chance to hear directly from the talented photographer herself. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to gain insight into Melissa's process and vision. See you there!

This Artist Talk is part of the Visting Artist series hosted by Rutgers University-Newark's Fine Art Program, Department of Arts, Culture and Media, (ACM) and SHINE Portrait Studio @ Express Newark. The Visiting Artist series connects students, staff, faculty, and the greater Newark community in the spirit of co-learning and co-creation, with insight into contemporary art practices, the creative process, and the evolving art landscape.

Melissa Alcena is a New York and Bahamas–based photographer celebrated for her intimate and evocative portrayals of her subjects. Originally from The Bahamas, she brings a nuanced sensitivity to her work, capturing the depth and complexity of human experience. Her images transcend their environments, offering powerful narratives that resonate on a universal level. Blending documentary and conceptual approaches, Melissa creates portraits grounded in presence, context, and emotional clarity. Her distinguished clientele includes The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Vogue China, Nike, Estée Lauder, and The Wall Street Journal.

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Host or Publisher Express Newark