Melanese Reid

Reid is a self-taught mixed media artist evaluating the “self” through the interrogation of epigenetic inheritance and intersectionality. Using various materials such as acrylic,
charcoal, and pastels on canvas and black paper, she creates figures that express deep emotion.

Within those figures are line markings described as MAPS. These MAPS are representative of
unresolved traumas passed down from generation to generation, i.e., lost identities, self-hate,
abandonment, shame, loss of femininity/female agency. In addition, Reid explores how her own
intersectionality (being a person of color, an immigrant, and a woman) play into the traumas she is gaining
within this lifetime. Her hope is to bring more awareness to Epigenetic Inheritance and expound upon
the conversation of Intersectionality.

Along with her career as a mixed media artist, Melanese is a seasoned fashion designer and
Patternmaker having gained industry credentials interning and working at such designer labels as
Theory, Jill Stuart, Rachel Comey, Alice & Olivia, Betsey Johnson, and Rachel Roy.

Reid lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

If you are interested in viewing more work, purchasing art, or exhibition opportunities collectively or solo please contact:
.

Fashion Institute of Technology
A.A.S, Applied Science Patternmaking

2021
Open Up A Portal, Het von Ulson Gallery