Melanie Young

Melanie’s work explores memories both recent and distant, as she covers then reveals a figure often standing in for her. Rediscovering something half-forgotten, moments and memories explored through sanding, scratching and removing part of the painted surface. The process is revealed, the journey is part of the final image.
Her current work creates spaces which are both contemplative and, conversely, uncomfortable. Although Melanie’s practice is based in painting, she is now also finding resonance in installation and performance collaborations for which she has just received major Arts Council funding.
Melanie’s work is a delicious mix of both serious and playful. Universal themes of love, loss, isolation, frustration and hope are explored in a rich and patterned surface Recently her work has journeyed from the familial and domestic to the ritual, she explores a playful narrative to create emotive images, both immediate and primal.
Exhibiting widely in the UK and also in Europe during the 80’s and 90’s Melanie took a break from exhibiting when her children (who both have Tourette syndrome) were younger. She did however continue creating work and this new body of work is something she is excited to showcase.

Studied Fine Art - graduated 1985.

Selected Group shows

1987 Cornerhouse Gallery, Manchester
1990 Drumcroom artists in schools
Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
1994 Coast to Coast, Albert Dock, Liverpool
1995 Dukes Oak Gallery, Holmes Chapel
1996 Piece Hall, Halifax
1997 Gallery Downstairs, Burnley
1998 Open Studios, Dukes Oak Galley and tour
2000 Edgar wood Building, Manchester
2011 The Poly, Falmouth
2012 On the Wire, Falmouth
2012 The Crypt Gallery, St Ives
2012 The Showroom, Sheffield
2015 Penwith Gallery St Ives

Solo shows

1992 Turnpike Gallery, Leigh
Greenroom, Manchester
Pankhurst Centre, Manchester
1993 Stockport Art Gallery
1995 Contact Theatre, Manchester
1997 Artreach Northwest tour
2000 Castle Park Art centre, Frodsham
Shell UK, Manchester
2001 Cornerhouse Bar, Manchester
2011 The Poly, Falmouth
2018 GK Gallery Manchester