Melissa Chimera

Born and raised in Hawai‘i where she lives with her husband and son, Melissa Chimera (b. 1972) is a descendant of Filipino and Lebanese immigrants. She studied natural resources management at the University of Hawai‘i, and has worked as a conservationist since 1996.

Chimera’s mixed media paintings and installations are research-based investigations into species extinction, globalization and human migration. Her work implies a nebulous sense of belonging—for both marginalized humans and species alike—akin to the absence of a permanent homeland and the impoverishment we face by their erasure.

B.A. Environmental Studies University of Hawai`i at Manoa

SOLO EXHIBITIONS AND CURATORIAL PROJECTS*
Endless Archipelago - First Hawaiian Center, HI* (2024)
Remittance - Above the Equator, HI (2022)
Migrant - Honolulu Museum of Art, HI (2019)
The Far Shore - Arab American National Museum, MI* (2018)
Agents of Change - Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, HI (2016)
Splendor: Portraits of the Natural World - ARTS at Marks Garage, HI (2010)

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025
Hawai`i Triennial, Foster Botanical Garden, HI
2024
Hanau Ka Mo`olelo, Donkey Mill Arts Center, HI
2023
Fear of the Unknown - Hawaii State Art Museum, HI
Maui Arts & Cultural Center Biennial - Schaeffer Gallery, HI
2022
Accesssion - Hawaii State Art Museum, HI
2021
8x8 - Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art & Design, HI
2020
Why Are You Painting - Honolulu Museum of Art, HI
Art in Isolation - Middle East Institute, Washington, DC
Call + Response - Kahilu Theater Gallery, Waimea, HI
Let there be spaces in your togetherness - New York Mills Art Center, MN
2019
Let there be spaces in your togetherness - Soo Visual Arts Center, MN
iBiennale MMIX - Y Center for Visual Arts, HI
2017
Contact 3017 - Honolulu Museum of Art School, HI
Hawaii Contemporary 2017 - Viewpoints Gallery, HI
2016
Hawaii National Parks - Maui Arts and Cultural Center,...