Zvi Melnikoff

ZVI enjoyed growing up in Southern California. The youngest of five siblings, his early years were filled with painting, drawing and sculpture. In school, ZVI showed an early interest in biology and oceanography. Imagery from this time became the first seeds of his Radiolarian Landscapes.
Inspired by the oceanic plankton Radiolaria, the inhabitants of ZVI's landscapes are usually shown solitary or in pairs. Sometimes, the Radiolarian are completely hidden.
With an aphantasic mind's eye, ZVI’s paintings give color and solidity to the imagined world of the Radiolarian. Each piece is created through a series of performances, one performance building upon the last. ZVI hopes to make connections with others by sharing his personal vision with the external world.

U.C.S.D, 1980-82, undergraduate biology & performance art
(Influences: Eleanor Antin, Maryann Steikes, Helen & Newton Harrison)

CalArts, B.F.A, Art School, 1985
(Influences: John Baldessari, Doug Huebler, John Mandel, Howard Singerman and Connie Hatch)

June 1988, Prairie Panorama Museum, Czar, Alberta, Canada. Solo show, photography.

May 1990, “Small Works", Barnsdall Art Center, Los Angeles, California. Group show.

November 1992, Orlando Gallery, Sherman Oaks, California. Solo show.

October 1993, Tower Gallery, Sherman Oaks, California.

January - December 2002, Town Center Gallery, Valencia, California.

November 2005, Orlando Gallery, Tarzana, California. Group show.

October 2020, Sylvia White Gallery, Agoura Hills, California. Group show.