Bio
Alex Morel was born in the island of Manhattan - NYC and spent most of his childhood in the island of Santo Domingo where he learned how to climb trees, swim, and ride a bicycle at an early age. He received a BFA from St. John’s University - NY and completed his MFA in Visual Arts from Rutgers University - NJ. He is also a graduate of the International Center of Photography (ICP) Creative Practice Program. His work addresses topics ranging from the deeply personal to the socially concerned. In a general sense, his work is about personal journey and the understanding of human relationships. His long-term body of work “Relaciones & Relatos” is a meditation on family, intimacy, and our emotional and psychological connection to others and to the spaces surrounding us. Equally important, is a commitment to photography as a tool for social transformation. Projects like his work in Haiti, Turkey, and more recently in Brazil examine people’s relationship to environments as affected/defined by modern urban and global conditions. His personal work has been exhibited nationally and internationally since 1995. He received the Eduardo León Jimenes Biennale Award from the CENTRO LEON museum in Dominican Republic in 2002. The FOTOMUSEUM Winterthur in Switzerland presented the first solo survey of his work in 2005, an exhibition encompassing the first decade of his career. In 2012 his work became an EnFOCO Touring Gallery Exhibition in the USA. His professional editorial work has been focused mainly on project collaborations with institutions and international aid organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO - WHO.), Organization of American States (OAS), Accion International, CONCERN Worldwide, Embrace Relief, and others. He has been a visiting artist at several educational and cultural institutions in the United States and abroad including the School of Visual Arts (SVA), the International Center of Photography (ICP), Rutgers University, the Caribbean Biennale at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Santo Domingo, and the Camera Club of New York (CCNY) among others. He is a faculty member of the Department of Art & Design at St. John’s University.
Solo Exhibitions
2023 . BEYOND THE WATER, California State University Long Beach, CA, USA
2020 . BEYOND THE WATER, Advocates For Dignity, Sidney, Australia
2020 . BEYOND THE WATER, Australian Intercultural Society, Melbourne, Australia
2019 . BEYOND THE WATER, Miller Senate Building, President’s Conference Center, Annapolis - MD, USA
2019 . THE FAILURE OF THE SQUARE, GNA Project, Stockholm, Sweden.
2018 . BEYOND THE WATER, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) CONFERENCE 2018, 4W43 Gallery, NY, USA
2018 . BEYOND THE WATER, Peace Island Institute, Woodlands Community Temple & Sisterhood Salaam Shalom, Westchester, NY, USA
2018 . BEYOND THE WATER, Turkish Cultural Center & Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn, NY, USA
2018 . BEYOND THE WATER, Assembly House, New York State Capitol, Albany, NY, USA
2014 . In The House Of Rumi, Plataforma Panorama, Santiago, Dominican Rep.
2012 . Relations & Tales / Relaciones & Relatos, En Foco Touring Gallery Exhibition, NY, USA, Curated by Dee Campos
2011 . Before We fall Asleep, Brooklyn Public Library, NY, USA. Curated by Yulia Tikhonova
2008 . Ties & Attachments, St. John’s University Gallery, Manhattan Campus, NY, USA
2005 . In der Stille des Nachmittags, FOTOMUSEUM Winterthur, Switzerland. Curated by Urs Stahel
2005 . Alex Morel, Photographs, CAPPS’ Mariboe Gallery, NJ, USA. Curated by Kym Kulp and Michael Maxwell
2002 . Haiti: A Visual Documentation, Pan American Health Organization (P.A.H.O.-W.H.O.), Port Au Prince, Haïti
2001 . Relaciones & Relatos / Relations & Tales, MFA Thesis Show, Rutgers University, MGSA Gallery, NJ, USA
Selected Group Exhibitions
2022 . YOUR HOME IS MY HOME, Dineen Hull Gallery at Hudson County Community College, NJ, USA
2020 . Dum Spiro Spero, GNA Project, Stockholm, Sweden (Online Exhibition)
2018 . WELCOME NEIGHBORS, Dr. M. T. Yeh Gallery, St. John’s University, NY, USA
2018 . BORDERING THE IMAGINARY: Art from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and their Diasporas, BRIC House, Brooklyn, NY USA. Curated by Abigail Lapin
Dardashti
2018 . Showing (work x family), Working Assumptions Foundation, Framingham State University, MA, USA
2016 . Showing (work x family), Working Assumptions Foundation, Capitol Building, Washington, DC. Curated by Trudy Wilner Stack and Geoffrey Bilddle
2014 . Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, NY, USA
2014 . Photo Benefit Auction, The Camera Club of New York (CCNY), AFFIRMATION ARTS, NY, USA
2013 . Sublime Porte: Art & Contemporary Turkey, Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, NY, USA. Curated by Yulia Tikhonova and Parvez Mohsin
2011 . About Change, World Bank, Washington DC, USA
2010 . DRIFT, 2010, Little Wing Performance Space, Santa Fe, NM, USA. Curated by Eileen Olivieri Torpey
2010 . AriZONA - New York Artists Response to the Immigration Issue, Grady Alexis Gallery, NY, USA.
2009 . El Ojo de Tu Vecino, Amster Yard Gallery, Instituto Cervantes, NY, USA. Curated by Rafael DiazCasas
2008 . XIX Salon de Arte, American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center, Washington DC, USA
2008 . Surprisingly Natural, Bronx River Arts Center (BRAC), NY, USA
2008 . Department of Fine Arts Faculty Art Exhibition 2008, Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, NY, USA
2007 . SFILES 2007, The 5th Biennale of the Museo del Barrio, Museo del Barrio, NY, USA. Curated by Carmen Ramos and Elvis Fuentes
2007 . Camera Club of New York Residency Award Exhibition, Alfred Lowenherz Gallery, NY, USA
2006 . DRIFT, Bronx River Art Center, NY, USA. Curated by Eileen Torpey
2005 . Gruppenaustellung, Galerie f5.6, Munich, Germany
2005 . Face & Figure, Westport Arts Center, CT, USA. Curated by Daniel Cooney
2005 . Purity and Danger, Klein Blue Productions (KBP) Gallery, NY, USA
2005 . Summer Salon 2005, Daniel Cooney Fine Arts Gallery, NY, USA
2005 . In This Place, Space 111, AL, USA
2004 . In This Place, Art in General, NY, USA. Curated by Allen Frame
2004 . XX Biennale Eduardo Leon Jimenes, Centro Leon, Santiago, Dom. Rep.
2003 . XXII Santo Domingo Biennale, Museo de Arte Modern (MAM), Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
2002 . Myths and Realities of Contemporary Caribbean, XIX Biennale E. Leon Jimenes, Santiago, Dom. Rep.
2002 . Advance Notice, International Center of Photography Education Gallery, NY, USA. Curated by Allen Frame
2002 . The Visual Imaginary of Latinas/os in New Jersey, Kenkeleba Gallery, NY, USA
2001 . SORTALIKAREVELATION, Rabbit Gallery, NJ, USA. Curated by Susan Deseyn
2000 . Snapshot, Contemporary Museum Baltimore, MD, USA
2000 . New Documents, St. Petersburg, Russia. Curated by Allen Frame
1997 . Three Latin American Photographers, St. John’s University Gallery, NY, USA
1995 . General Studies & Photojournalism Program Exhibition, International Center of Photography, NY, USA
Other Presentations
2019 . Program/Conference: “Migration and the Politicization of Human Rights: The Fate of the (Un)Wanted, 10th Annual CLACS Multidisciplinary Symposium on
Immigration.” Paper/Presentation: “Beyond the Water: Turkish Refugee in Greece and the Persecution of the Hizmet Movement by the Current Turkish Regime”.
Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), SJU, NY, USA
2018 . Program / Conference: “TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD: SDGs to Ensure No One Is Left Behind.” Paper/Presentation: “The Plight of Turkish Refugees Fleeing
Persecution.” United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) CONFERENCE 2018, Organized by Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) and the Alliance for Shared Values (AfSV), in partnership with 15 Civil Society Organizations from 14 Countries, NY, USA
2018 . Program/Conference: “Facing Contemporary Hispaniola: Panel Discussion.” BRIC House. NY, USA
2018 . Program/Conference: “Women Empowerment and Democracy: How Populist Nationalism and Authoritarian Rules are Hindering Women’s Prospects for Social
and Economic Empowerment.” Role: Moderator. CSW62nd Session Parallel Event in Partnership with United Nations Association, NY, USA
2016 . Program/Conference: “Global Migration and the Rise of Xenophobic Populism, 7th Annual Multidisciplinary Symposium on Immigration.” Paper/Presentation:
“The Immigrant's Experience as a Determinant of Family and Community Identity: A Visual Presentation and Conversation.” Authors/Presenters: Abigail Montes &
Alex Morel. Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), SJU, NY, USA
2016 . Program/Conference: “Current Debate on Immigration: What is it Really About?” Paper/Presentation: “Frontier: The Dominican-Haitian Border Region.” Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), SJU, NY, USA
2014 . Program/Conference: “INNOVATION - TOURISM & SPORTS MEGA EVENTS” (a conference organized to bring different sectors of Brazilian society in
preparation for the 2014 World Cup). Paper/ Presentation: “Levels of Engagement with Place: Cultural Collaboration in the Age of Globalization.”
Authors/Presenters: Alex Morel, Parvez Mohsin, and Paul Fabozzi. FUNDACAO GETULIO VARGAS (FGV), Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
2014 . Program/Conference: “Dialogo Abierto con el Artista Alex Morel” (Open Dialogue with Artist Alex Morel). Plataforma Panorama, Santiago, Dom. Rep.
2012 . Program/Conference: “Artist Talk: Relaciones & Relatos / Relations & Tales.” En Foco, at Pregones Theater, NY, USA
2010 . Program/Conference: “CCNY Lecture Series: Alex Morel.” Paper/Presentation: Relations & Tales and Current Work in Haiti. School of Visual Arts (SVA), NY, USA
2010 . Program/Conference: “A New York Moment: Alex Morel” (an online radio segment about the exploration of NYC through the work of artists/photographers). Role:
Showcased Artist. WNYC – Culture, NY, USA
2009 . Program/Conference: “General Studies in Photography Seminar Final Critique.” Role: Visiting Artist and Guest Critic. International Center of Photography (ICP),
NY, USA
2005 . Program/Conference: “The Peddie School, Visiting Artist Series.” NJ, USA
2005 . Program/Conference: “Photo New York, 2nd International Photographic Art Exhibition.” NY, USA
2005 . Program/Conference: “Slide Slam.” School of Visual Arts (SVA) Artists Presentations and Talk Series, NY, USA
2004 . Program/Conference: “Lenguajes Contemporáneos.“ Presentation: Contemporary Photography and Current Trends in the Medium. Centro León Museum, Lecture Series, Santiago, Dom. Rep.
2003 . Program/Conference: “Arte en Proceso.” Presentation and talk about my personal art work. Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM), Lecture Series, Santo Domingo,
Dom. Rep.
1997-2001 . Visiting Artist and Guest Speaker at several institutions including the International Center of Photography (ICP), School of Visual Arts (SVA), Hostos
University, and Lehman College, NY, USA
Grants, Awards and Honors
. Peace Island Institute Research Travel Grant, NY, USA, 2016-2024
. Faculty Recognition Award, St. John's University, repeatedly: 2013, 2014, 2017-2021
. Faculty Outstanding Achievement Award, St. John’s University, NY, USA, 2017
. Prix Pictet Nomination, 2015
. Summer Support for Research Grant, St. John’s University, NY, USA, 2015
. SEED Grant, St. John’s University, NY, USA, 2015
. The Camera Club of New York Residency Program, NY, USA, 2006
. FOTOMUSEUM Winterthur Special Edition, Switzerland, 2005
. Eduardo Leon Jimenez Biennale Award for the Visual Arts, Santiago, DR, 2002
. Fassbinder Award, Mason Gross School of the Arts - Rutgers University, NJ, USA, 2000
Collections
. Centro Leon Museum, DR
. EnFoco, USA
. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO-WHO)
. Several private collections
Selected Bibliography
. Morel, Alex. “Relaciones Y Relatos”. ‘Cademy, New York, May 2023
. Exhibition Catalog: “Bordering the Imaginary: Art from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and their Diasporas.” BRIC, 2018
. Morel, Alex, et al. “FOXES HAVE DENS, AND THE BIRDS IN THE SKY HAVE NESTS, BUT THE SON OF MAN HAS NOT PLACE TO LAY HIS HEAD.—Mathew 8:20, A Photographic Project.” Journal of Vincentian Social Action (JoVSA), May 2018
. Morel, Alex. “TURKEY'S COUP ATTEMPT & A MORE INTIMATE VIEW OF THE HIZMET MOVEMENT.” HUFFINGTON POST / HUFFPOST, August 2016
. Nuez, Ramon. “Photographer Alex Morel Talks About Education and Haiti”, Latinos Behind the Lens, July 10th, 2013
. Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery. "Sublime Porte: Art in Contemporary Turkey" (exhibition catalog), 2013
. Photo District News. PDN Photo of the Day, November 8th, 2012
. World Bank. “About Change, in Latin America and the Caribbean”, (exhibition catalog), Washington DC, USA, 2011
. America University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. “XVII Ibero-American Art Salon” (exhibition catalog), 2011
. Miller, Jeanette. “Historia de la Fotografia Dominicana, Vol. II, 1961-2007”. Santo Domingo, Rep. Dom. Grupo Leon Jimenes, 2010.
. Instituto Cervantes, Galeria Amter Yard. “El Ojo de Tu Vecino” (exhibition catalog), 2009
. Romeo, Francesca. “Alex Morel”, Pixelated News, November 20th, 2008
. Rubin, Edward. “Exploring the Contours of Latino Arts”, Hispanic Outlook, July 28th, 2008
. El Museo del Barrio. “The SFiles07, The 5th Bienal of El Museo del Barrio” (exhibition catalog), 2007
. Marsh, Julia. “Bienial Redefines Latino Art”, Manhattan Times, Volume 8 No. 33, August 16-22nd, 2007
. LaRosa, Nicole. “Now You See It, Now You Don’t”, The Riverdale Press, November 23rd, 2006
. FOTOMUSUEM Winterthur. “Alex Morel: In der Stille des Nachmittags”, (exhibition leporello), 2005
. DeSeyn, Susan. “Twenty Photographs”, Interview with Alex Morel, ARTWURL, 2004
. Centro Leon. “XX Eduardo León Jimenes Bienal” (exhibition catalog), Santiago, Dom. Rep., 2004
. Peréz, Altagracia. “Alexander Morel”, Interview with Alex Morel, Oh! Magazine, TalentOH!, 2004
. “Alexander Morel Expone su Praxis”, El Caribe, Cultura, Arte, Febuary 25th, 2004
. Saint-Pierre, Charles. “Alexander Morel”, Interview with Alex Morel. Hoy, Areito, February 16th, 2003
. Arroyo, Aquino. “Un Fotógrafo”, El Nacional, September 3rd, 2003
. Centro Leon. Grupo Leon Jimenes. “Mitos y Realidades de Caribe Contemporaneo”, XIX Biennale E. Leon Jimenes, (exhibition catalog), Santiago, Dom. Rep., 2002
. De Tolentino, Marianne. “XIX Concurso de Arte Eduardo León Jimenes”, Cariforum, November, 2002
. Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Rutgers University. “The Visual Imaginary of Latinas/os in New Jersey” (exhibition catalog), 2002
. Rabbit Gallery. “SORTALIKAREVELATION” (exhibition catalog), 2001
Teaching
2020-present . Professor of Photography, Department of Arts and Design, St. John’s University, USA, NY
2013-2020 . Associate Professor of Photography, Department of Arts and Design, St. John’s University, USA, NY
2007-2013 . Assistant Professor of Photography, Department of Fine Arts, St. John’s University, USA, NY
2001-2007 . Adjunct Professor, Department of Fine Arts, St. John’s University, USA, NY
2000-2001 . Instructor, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, USA, NJ
Education
. Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, NJ, M.F.A. Visual Arts, 2001
. St. John’s University, NY, B.F.A. Fine Arts and Creative Photography, 1997
. International Center of Photography (ICP), NY, Certificate Diploma, General Studies in Photography, 1994-1995
Curatorial Projects
2020 . “Fevzi Yazici: DARK WHITE.” The first institutional solo exhibition in the United States by the award winning Turkish visual journalist. The exhibition surveys 40
works on paper by Yazici, including drawings, typographies, and notes produced before and during his current incarceration in Istanbul. Yazici was imprisoned
accused of alleged connections to the failed coup attempt of 2016 in Turkey.
2012 . “Unpacking the FSA: The Photographic Archives of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information.” The FSA employed over 20 photographers -
spanned almost 20 years – and created more than 175,000 photographs during the 1930s and 1940s becoming one of the most important documentary projects
in the history of photography. This exhibition features work by: Marion Post-Wolcott, Louise Rosskam, Jack Delano, Dorothea Lange, Fenno Jacobs, Howard
Hollem, Gordon Parks, Russell Lee, John Vachon, Alfred Palmer, Marjory Collins, Ben Shahn, Walker Evans, Arthur Rothstein, John Collier, and Paul Carter
amongst others. Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, Sun Yat Sen Hall, St. John’s University, NY, USA
2011 . “Jeff Mermelstein: 9.11.01.” As part of the 10th anniversary of the September 2011 attack on New York City, this exhibition presented the work of renowned
photographer Jeff Mermelstein whose images have become some of the most iconic representations of that day. Many of the images in the exhibition had never
been shown until this moment. Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, Sun Yat Sen Hall, St. John’s University, NY, USA
2009 . “These Are Seven Million Bodies.” An exhibition about crimes against humanity and genocide (official or unofficial) in recent history, featuring the works of
photographers Jonathan Torgovnik, Marcus Bleasdale, and Ron Haviv. Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, Sun Yat Sen Hall, St. John’s University, NY, USA
For documentation on bibliography, press, curatorial projects, and other sources, visit the | External Sources | section in the site’s index