
Melina Merlin, (b. San Francisco, California) lives and works in London. After a foundational year at Camberwell, in 2021 they began a BAFA at Goldsmiths, University of London, where they received the Bulgari Art Award 2022 and graduated with a First.
As a social justice artist, Melina’s intention is to cross mediums and expand the definition of drawing whilst documenting histories and offering alternative narratives that reconfigure power structures.
Melina’s practice is rooted in assemblage drawing; a collection of memories, histories, and stories to create varying realities. The works offer an alternative perspective on existing narratives–broadening the contemporary art lens.
In the studio, drawings often begin with 3D objects–the making of sculptures through found objects, working with clay or the building of maquettes. Outside the studio, research on heritage, identity and politics involves reading, participation in artist collectives and on-site visits to exhibitions and museums documenting the Meso-American experience.
selected exhibitions
2024
Goldsmiths, Degree Show 2024, London
Superhuman Expedition, Group Show, Art Hub Studios, London
2023
The Soil Beneath My Feet, Solo Exhibition, Fazenda UK, London
A Space for Change, Meta Space Gallery, online/virtual exhibition
Doll, The House of Smalls, Chipping Campden, UK
The Fox and the Girl, Navigator North, Middlesbrough, UK
The NewEver Art Show, Phoenix Project Space, Brighton, UK
The Power of Colour, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, UK
Drawing Open 2023–No Format Gallery, London, UK
Las Mujeres–North South, St James Annex, London, UK
2022
Painting Open 2022— No Format Gallery, London, UK
2019
Love. Naturally.— Moxie Raven Studio, London, UK Montages— 13 Upton Lane, London, UK
Locs: The Exhibition, Newham Black Heritage Month, London, UK
awards and residencies
- The Worshipful Company of Dyers Scholarship, 2024
- Equity Scholar, 2021-2024
- Warden’s Climate Award, 2022
- Bulgari Art Award, 2022
- Gold Award, 2022
speaking panelist
Bring Biodiversity Home, Newham Citizens’ Science Fair, London. 2024
Navigating Colour in today’s educational institutions. Wolverhampton Art School, Wolverhampton, UK. 2023
Where’s the Money Come From? Goldsmiths, University of London. 2021
selected publications
Regeneration Songs: Sounds of Investment and Loss from East London. Soundscape.
education
- MA Fine Art, City and Guilds London, Art School, 2024-2025
- BA (Hons), Fine Art (First), Goldsmiths, UoL, 2024
- Foundation, Fine Art (Merit), Camberwell, UAL, 2021
- Juris Doctor, Golden Gate University, SofL, CA, USA, 2001
- BSc, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA, 1997
contact: melinamerlin@protonmail.com