My Story

My name is Alexander Caserta, and I have lived most of my life in the small historic state of Rhode Island. I have been active as an artist, photographer, and storyteller since the late nineteen seventies. My paintings and photographs here and abroad work with light and direct eloquent realism and sensitivity to observe and capture “A Sense of Place” with subjects. The element of historical character are present in the subjects selected enhanced by the color and light in Italy. The images represent small segments of larger areas allowing the viewer to share a space I have selected. These locations are representations of the past and are quiet and unpopulated spots. As viewers, we are alone in my world and absorbed into the location. The transformation from photography to painting invites the viewer to focus more intently on their formal elements and our emotional connection to them. My photographic and film documentaries are examples of my ability to capture stories of places and individuals of everyday life that may be taken for granted.

I was a full‑time instructor of the visual arts for over thirty-four years. I have been producing documentaries on people and places in Rhode Island for over twenty years. In 1978 I worked as a fellow with the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington DC and from 1975 to 1978 I worked with the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts. During most of my career in education I worked on the development and implementation of proposals in the arts and humanities funded through grants I developed. My work has been exhibited in several states through galleries, museums and traveling exhibitions. My photographs were in the Arts in the Embassies Program with the State Department in Washington DC, including an exhibition at the Department of State. Some of my documentary images are in the archival collection at the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress. My favorite place to photograph is in Italy where the color and light enhances the image.

 
Photo by Charleen Larkin

Photo by Charleen Larkin

Past Sponsors 

  • RI Department of Environmental Management: Division of Agriculture

  • United States Department of Agriculture: Rural Development

  • The Rhode Island Foundation

  • Rhode Island Council on the Humanities

  • Rhode Island PBS

  • Rhode Island Historical Society

  • Connecticut Humanities Council

  • Ocean State Charities Trust

  • Rhode Island Fruit Growers Association

  • Connecticut Department of Agriculture