Alexandra Giannell

Professional Artist

Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting/Minor in Art History, UNC Charlotte (2010)
Master of Fine Arts in Painting, Clemson University (2015)

Hometown: Red Bank, NJ

After growing up in places as diverse as Germany, Greece, and New Jersey, Alexandra Giannell has returned to Charlotte, after having completed her MFA at Clemson University. She came to North Carolina first as a high school student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, then continued her art studies at UNC Charlotte. During her time at UNC Charlotte, Alex received two Kenan Fellowships to study at the Penland School of Craft.

“My education at UNC Charlotte strengthened my studio practice and blossomed my curiosity of criticism and theory,” she says. “The mentorship I gained from this program offered insight in my own pursuit as an educator, showing me the power of selfless guidance.”

The highlight of her time in the Department of Art & Art History was an internship with professor Maja Godlewska: “Nothing compared to working side-by-side with her in the studio, assisting in the making and installing of her work, aiding in her funding research, and enjoying coffee and walks in the woods.”

Alex’s paintings range from bold portraits that bear witness to Oskar Kokoschka to intricate abstractions that contemplate ritual practice and religious faith. She participated in the Department of Art & Art History 2015 Biennial Alumni Exhibition. See Alex’s work at her website.