SPECIAL FORCES MEDIC DISCOVERS ANOTHER LIFE AS A PHOTOGRAPHER
Portraits by Kevin, BFA Parsons ‘24 & U.S. Marine veteran
“I wanted to immerse myself in a place where I could learn and grow as an artist, and I knew the city would push me to see things differently and challenge me in ways I hadn’t experienced.”
- Alejandro, MFA Parsons ‘24 — U.S. Army Special Forces
Alejandro is a seasoned U.S. Army Special Forces Medic turned photographer, boasting 17 years of military service. Originally from the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, he made a life-changing decision to pursue his MFA in photography at the illustrious Parsons School of Design in New York City. Here, he's crafted a distinct body of work that delves into the intimate, the quotidian, and the unseen, capturing the backstage processes of local businesses through a medium format film camera.
Alejandro in his studio at the The New School Parsons School of Design
How did you discover The New School, Parsons School of Design?
I spent a lot of time researching. I was looking for the top photography schools, and The New School consistently popped up in my searches. I was drawn to the academic reputation and the vibrant, dynamic culture of New York City. I wanted to immerse myself in a place where I could learn and grow as an artist.
The New School felt like a perfect match because of its access to incredible resources and the freedom to explore. Coming from a military background, we often identify strongly with our service roles—it's a mindset of 'us versus them.' But at The New School, that divide seemed to dissolve. It’s a place that encourages you to blur the lines to redefine who you are outside of what you’ve always known. It was about breaking away from that rigid identity and rediscovering myself as an artist.
As a USPS Rural Carrier in Northern Colorado, working on back country roads is distant and far from the cluttered streets of New York City. The constant movement, the diversity, the unexpected moments - from subway street dancers to mother's commuting with two kids on bikes, and the array of culture being sewn together in Washington Square provide a visual rich backdrop for photographic exploration. New York City is a place that fuels creativity at every turn and that is exactly what I needed.
Alejandro’s recent work featured in the exhibition, When Places Speak
Tell us about your latest work.
Currently, I am working on my thesis and an art collaboration called "When Places Speak," which focuses on exposing sex trafficking locations within the New York City boroughs. It's about highlighting space - rather than faces - where these crimes occur, drawing attention to an issue often kept in the shadows. The project will incorporate a window display consisting of five 8' x 15' pieces, serving as a teaser for a more extensive exhibit at the New School's Kellen Gallery. The final exhibit will encompass audiovisual elements, constructed environments, and over 60 photographs. It is a content-rich and collaborative project to provoke thought and discussion about this hidden epidemic.
“The New School is for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a community that values open expression and creativity. ”
Alejandro’s recent work featured in the exhibition, When Places Speak
What do veterans bring to an art practice and what advice would you give a veteran who might be considering The New School?
Coming from a military background, we often identify strongly with our service roles and the New School provided me with the opportunity to redefine my civilian and military identities through art. The New School is a place that encourages you to blur the lines and investigate art through a varied approach, similar to the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP). The faculty in the MFA photography department helped me articulate my artistic voice, build on conceptual ideas, and craft a space of belonging.
I’d tell veterans to come in with an open mind and trust in who they are. Art is about self-discovery, and it’s okay to feel out of place or unsure initially. The key is to lean into that discomfort and let it guide you. Don’t be afraid to explore, to challenge your perceptions, and to allow yourself the space to grow. Your journey here is personal, and that’s what makes it so valuable.
The Cupboard & The Chair, 2024
Post Deployment: Clutter, 2023
“It’s not just about education; it’s about expanding your perspective, embracing new challenges, and discovering what else you’re capable of. ”
The Junkyard: The Parts of Transportation, 2024
The Cobbler: Distant Connections, 2024
What would you say to a veteran who thinks The New School is not for them?
I’d encourage them to challenge themselves. If you’ve only ever known the military domain, then it’s on you to push beyond that and develop new skills. College, and especially a place like The New School, offers the chance to excel in a completely different realm. The New School offers world-class faculty, access to cutting-edge resources, and the vibrant pulse of New York City as your backdrop. For veterans, in particular, the university is welcoming and offers great support services, making it an ideal environment to transition into academic life.
Mr. Kermanshah: Scissors, 2024
Modern Cycles: Automatically Correct, 2023
All photographs shown are of Alejandro’s work created while matriculating in the Masters of Fine Arts program at The New School Parsons School of Design
To learn more about his work, visit: https://www.drif7.ink/about