Honokaa, HI, United States
Born and raised in Hawai‘i where she lives with her husband and son, Melissa Chimera (b. 1972) is a ...
About the artist
Joined In 2010
(17 Followers)
About the artist
Joined In 2010
(17 Followers)
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,...
Artist featured in a collection
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