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Artist Bio
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Melissa is an interdisciplinary artist working across collage, assemblage, installation and social engagement. Through a hybrid of mediums, her practice is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean diasporas within contemporary media.
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Today, she expands upon an immersive body of work "Handle With Care" which amplifes the urgent call for compassion, empathy, and genuine concern within Black communities. Melissa’s work has been exhibited at The Biggs Museum of American Art and supported by residencies including ArtCrawl Harlem, Chrysalis Institute for Emerging Artists, and The Alliance of Artist. Melissa's work has been written about in several publications, including Black Enterprise, Forbes, Essence, and Modern Luxury. She is currently attending the Maryland Institute College of Art pursuing her MFA. Melissa shares her time between NY and Baltimore, MD.
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Artist Statement
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As an interdisciplinary artist, my work spans across various mediums including collage, assemblage, installation, and social engagement. I am committed to exploring and shedding light on three key themes: (i) the overlooked labor of Black women, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society (ii) the multifaceted nature of Blackness, examining its cultural significance and symbolism in art (iii) utilizing Blackness as a tool for cultural expression and empowerment. Through my artistic practice, I strive to challenge societal norms while celebrating the richness and diversity of Black experiences.