"I believe the value of a photograph is measured with the emotions it evokes.
The value of emotions comes from sharing them, not just having them.
This exhibition is my way of sharing the treasures I found in The Bahamas in a city
and a hotel I love dearly."
Alessandro Sarno
.
Life unveils its plans in the most unpredictable ways and moments. One of those moments was in January 2007 when, not a chapter, but a whole new book of my life began. I left my job in gloomy London and ventured to Miami seeking sunshine and a new life and I found myself sitting on a chair on the porch of the Betsy Ross Hotel in Miami Beach. With its elegant old-world architecture and decadent coziness, it became my safe haven in the magic city. Back then I didn’t even have a camera and the future was a total white canvas to fill. I had no idea at the time that the days would unfold in a way that would lead me to explore The Bahamas, a place that so inspired me at first sight with its natural beauty and amazing people, that it prompted me to buy my first camera, and during the following years, led me to dive heart-first into a career in photography.
Exhibiting my photography of The Bahamas at The Betsy, for me, is a great honor. The Betsy is a hotel that, thanks to its new owners, has become an art and cultural beacon for the whole of Miami, where incredible writers, poets, painters, musicians, photographers have showcased their work over the years.The Betsy Hotel has always been the place I wished to hold my first exhibition in Miami. After years of pursuing my dream, here I am, in the very same place I came in search of a new life, and as Lesley Goldwasser, owner of the hotel, mentioned to me, this show has a sense of “b’shert” about it—Yiddish for “meant to be”.
I am pleased to present a small selection of images, gathered over about 13 years of visits to The Bahamas—a neighboring island nation just across the Gulf stream with long established centuries-old founding ties with Miami. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 island and cays where residents share much history, geography, and heritage with the community of South Florida. I hope you will enjoy this glimpse into the everyday grace of The Bahamas, or that it may reignite sparks of your own memories of visits to the islands, so close to South Florida in so many ways. The photos selected for this exhibition aim to portray the country and the true spirit of the Bahamian people. An intersection of joy, music, culture, religious beliefs, and glimpses of multi-generations are seen through common moments of life. To show a part of the beauty and joy I have found in The Bahamas, and to exhibit the photographs at one of my most favorite and beloved places in the world—The Betsy Hotel—is a dream come true.
In September 2018, the infamous Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas and a few of its northern islands were totally destroyed. Since then, it’s been a long way to recovery. Unfortunately, when the Corona virus spread, The Bahamas have suffered further and endured major economic disruption. Unemployment skyrocketed to a whopping 50% and vast parts of the population are in danger. A few local non-profit organizations are doing their best to help feed the Bahamian people. Among them is Lend a Hand Bahamas, to which The Betsy Hotel and myself would like to donate 10% of the proceeds coming from the sale of the exhibit photographs. Every little effort helps and we also encourage everyone to make a donation to their website: https://www.lendahandbahamas.org
For further information or just to see The Betsy Hotel and all their cultural programs, you can visit www.thebetsyhotel.com
– Alessandro Sarno
Mission
To nurture and implement community development efforts focused on sustainability and resiliency in Bahamian communities through enhanced collaboration with local, national, and global nonprofits, corporations, foundations, and individuals.
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In partnership with
Should the exhibition spark an irresistible desire to visit The Bahamas, a Tropic Ocean seaplane is the most charming and comfortable way to fly there.
Find out more at flytropic.com
The Exhibition
Mr Ward
Print Size
36"x 24" (45.6"x 33.85" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
Cat Island
Price
$1,600 Framed
$1,200 Unframed
Mr Ward lives in a hilltop house in Cat Island. He loves to read and has great knowledge of bush medicine. I enjoyed many interesting conversation overlooking at the mesmerizing ocean down in the distance.
Reading The Bible
Print Size
36"x 24" (45.6"x 33.85" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2012
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$1,600 Framed
$1,200 Unframed
I was driving South in Eleuthera when I noticed this lady nicely dressed sitting on a rock with the bible in her hands. I stopped the car and started a little conversation. When I asked why she was sitting on that rock she answered that her husband was drunk inside the house and she didn't want to be with him.
Going To Church
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
LightJet Print On Kodak Pro Endura
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2018
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$950 Framed
$700 Unframed
It was early morning on a Sunday when I encountered this lady. She was walking outside the church. We had a little talk and she asked if I could take her to her church in Palmetto Point and so I did. That's why I titled the photo "Going to Church" even if it seems she is leaving church.
Shirley
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
LightJet Print On Kodak Pro Endura
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$950 Framed
$700 Unframed
Shirley is an interesting woman. She lives in an old house in North Eleuthera and was the first female police officer in The Bahamas decades ago. She is very photogenic and she has been a subject for the great American painter Steven Scott Young.
Sunday Jumping
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
LightJet Print on Metallic ultra HD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2016
Place
New Providence
Price
$900 Framed
$700 Unframed
I was at the beach with a friend when a group of kids started to jump and play in the water. I grabbed my camera and started to shoot trying to capture that moment of joy and carefreeness.
Acrobatic Mornings
Print Size
18"x 12" (26.77"x 20.86" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Print
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2018
Place
New Providence
Price
$750 Framed
$550 Unframed
I remember the moment I took this photograph very well. I was just back in Nassau and I was having lunch with a dear friend when we noticed a bunch of kids jumping off the jetty. I excused myself and went to photograph them and returned to the table to continue lunch.
Holy Blues
Print Size
18"x 12" (26.77"x 20.86" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Print
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2018
Place
New Providence
Price
$750 Framed
$550 Unframed
In The Bahamas, followers of the Church of God traditionally hold a baptism ceremony in the ocean. It's no doubt a very interesting experience to witness.
Early Morning Dip
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
LightJet Print on Metallic ultra HD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2016
Place
Cat Island
Price
$950 Framed
$700 Unframed
It was Christmas Season of 2016 and I was spending a few days in Cat Island. One early morning, before dawn, I walked down the beach. The sea was flat calm, the only ripples were the ones provoked by the gentle movement of the lady captured in the photograph.
Busy Days
Print Size
36"x 24" (45.6"x 33.85" framed)
Print Type
Lambda Print On Fuji Crystal DP II
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
New Providence
Price
$1,600 Framed
$1,200 Unframed
In Nassau there is an area called Over The Hill, it includes Grant and Bain Town. It's an area where it's not recommended to walk alone but I did and I was happy to. I met some wonderful people and saw some charming corners. This scene of life struck me for its simplicity and chillness. One man eating some sugar cane, a dog sitting and looking at his owner and another man taking a nap on the floor...
Still Life
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
LightJet Print On Kodak Pro Endura
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
Cat Island
Price
$900 Framed
$600 Unframed
Some sour oranges resting on the porch of an old house in Cat Island. I just loved the scene and the colors.
Porch Tales
Print Size
18"x 12" (26.77"x 20.86" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Print
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
Cat Island
Price
$750 Framed
$550 Unframed
This photo is funny because the lady is actually looking at a soft cover version of my Cat Island book. She sat down and took her time to flip through the pages.
Girl In Her Sunday Dress
Print Size
18"x 12" (26.77"x 20.86" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Print
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
Cat Island
Price
$750 Framed
$550 Unframed
My friend Andrew and I were driving home to Spirit House Cat Island when we passed the last house before the dirt road. This girl just walked out of the door dressed for the Sunday Mass at the church around the corner.
Junkanoo Parade
Print Size
36"x 24" (45.6"x 33.85" framed)
Print Type
Lambda Print On Fuji Crystal DP II
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
New Providence
Price
$1,600 Framed
$1,200 Unframed
Photographing a Junkanoo Parade is the most difficult thing to do after participating to the parade itself. Light is very low but close to the street lights it gets super bright. People constantly move and trying to get a good photo is really exhausting. The parade begins at midnight on Boxing Day and goes on all night till 8 or 9 in the morning. The colors, the rhythms and the costumes are just an amazing experience.
Junkanoo Parade II
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Metallic ultra HD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
New Providence
Price
$550 Framed
$350 Unframed
Photographing a Junkanoo Parade is the most difficult thing to do after participating to the parade itself. Light is very low but close to the street lights it gets super bright. People constantly move and trying to get a good photo is really exhausting. The parade begins at midnight on Boxing Day and goes on all night till 8 or 9 in the morning. The colors, the rhythms and the costumes are just an amazing experience.
Junkanoo Parade III
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print Metallic ultraHD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
New Providence
Price
$550 Framed
$350 Unframed
Photographing a Junkanoo Parade is the most difficult thing to do after participating to the parade itself. Light is very low but close to the street lights it gets super bright. People constantly move and trying to get a good photo is really exhausting. The parade begins at midnight on Boxing Day and goes on all night till 8 or 9 in the morning. The colors, the rhythms and the costumes are just an amazing experience.
Night Parade
Print Size
12"x 16" (19.68" x 23.62" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print Metallic ultraHD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2016
Place
New Providence
Price
$550 Framed
$350 Unframed
Photographing a Junkanoo Parade is the most difficult thing to do after participating to the parade itself. Light is very low but close to the street lights it gets super bright. People constantly move and trying to get a good photo is really exhausting. The parade begins at midnight on Boxing Day and goes on all night till 8 or 9 in the morning. The colors, the rhythms and the costumes are just an amazing experience.
Village Taylor
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Lambda Print On Fuji Crystal DP II
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
New Providence
Price
$650 Framed
$400 Unframed
Strolling around Grant Town in Nassau I discovered this little taylor shop on the corner if the street. The light was perfect and the colors beautiful. The following day I went back to bring a pair of trousers that needed some sewing.
Mrs Ro
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print ultraHD Photo Print on Fuji Crystal DP
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$650 Framed
$400 Unframed
I met Mrs Ro a few years ago and since then every time I drove down to South Eleuthera I stopped to say hello. Sadly she passed away last year and didn't have a chance to say goodbye. This photograph will keep her alive in my memories.
At The Pineapple Festival
Print Size
16"x 24" (26"x 33.85" framed)
Print Type
ultraHD Photo Print on Fuji Crystal DP Maxima
Edition
1 of 5 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$950 Framed
$700 Unframed
I met Alvina at the Pineapple Festival in Eleuthera. She was fun and very photogenic. I really enjoyed photographing her. In the video below she is wishing Merry Christmas.
Dr Seabreeze
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
Eleuthera
Price
$550 Framed
$350 Unframed
Dr Seabreeze is an Eleuthera Icon. His Calypso music has and still is delighting locals and visitors to the island.
Cat Island Woman
Print Size
16"x 12" (23.62"x 19.68" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2015
Place
Cat Island
Price
$550 Framed
$350 Unframed
One of the many charming ladies of Cat Island. I loved her hat and dress as well as the old house in the background.
Junkanoo Parade IV
Print Size
18"x 12" (26.77"x 20.86" framed)
Print Type
Lambda Print On Fuji Crystal DP II
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
New Providence
Price
$650 Framed
$400 Unframed
Photographing a Junkanoo Parade is the most difficult thing to do after participating to the parade itself. Light is very low but close to the street lights it gets super bright. People constantly move and trying to get a good photo is really exhausting. The parade begins at midnight on Boxing Day and goes on all night till 8 or 9 in the morning. The colors, the rhythms and the costumes are just an amazing experience. This particular portrait captures the incredible energy of Junkanoo.
Exuma Nights
Print Size
8"x 12" (13.38"x 17.32" framed)
Print Type
ultraHD Photo Print on Fuji Crystal DP Maxima
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2019
Place
Exumas
Price
$350 Framed
$220 Unframed
Spending new Year's eve in a little island in the Exumas is very special. The night was fun and rich of music, colors and tradition.
Junkanoo Parade V
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
New Providence
Price
$900 Framed
$700 Unframed
Celebrating Life
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Metallic ultra HD Photo Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2014
Place
New Providence
Price
$900 Framed
$700 Unframed
Junkanoo Parade VI
Print Size
24"x 16" (33.85"x 26" framed)
Print Type
Inkjet Print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper
Edition
1 of 10 Prints Signed by the Photographer - with Certificate of Authenticity
Year
2017
Place
New Providence
Price
$900 Framed
$700 Unframed