Melanie Delach's work explores the depths of self-discovery, transformation, and spirituality through sculptural paintings and intimate drawings. Her work reflects the complexities of navigating the world as a queer woman, channeling themes of love, loss, and identity into a unique visual language. Incorporating a blend of techniques, Delach’s work captures her evolving personal mythology. Her use of foliage and architectural forms symbolizes transformation and the grounding of her spiritual journey. Square tiles, referred to as "stars," punctuate her compositions, embodying hope and the guidance of personal spirit guides.
In her practice Delach centers on the interplay between figurative and botanical motifs, using these elements to create surrealist narratives that delve into the quest for authenticity and peace. Her works often feature silhouettes and energy ribbons, symbolizing the self and the continuous search for belonging. These "Placeless Spaces” as the artist describes it, represent the voids she has occupied throughout her life, caught between land and infinity, striving for acceptance and self-realization.
Melanie Delach (b. 1995 in New York, US) received her BFA in Studio Art from Adelphi University in 2017 and an MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2019. Recent exhibitions include After Dark, Newchild, Antwerp (2024); Future Fair, curated by Leslie Weissman, Loft Projects, New York (2024); The Neighborhood, Lorimoto Gallery, New York (2024); BWYL, Storage Gallery, New York (2024); Mixed Nuts, Adelphi University, Garden City (2024); Roots & Roses, curated by Archie Raphulu & Melanie Delach (2023); We are here, now, Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia (2023); School’s Out for Summer, curated by Christopher Saucedo, RAL Gallery, New York (2023); 5 Years, Latchkey Gallery, New York (2023); Buy What You Love, Rema Hort-Mann Foundation Benefit (2023); Future Fair, Anna Zorina Gallery, New York (2023); Holiday, Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia (2023); Automa(r)t, Automat Gallery, Philadelphia (2023); among others. She received the Fine Arts Venture Fund and The Judith McGregor Caldwell Purchase Prize, and was nominated for the Colene Brown Art Prize. Her work is included in the collection of The Museum of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and The Weissman Family Collection. The artist lives and works in Queens, New York.