About Page
Artist Statement
DARLENE MELLEIN ARTIST STATEMENT
When I paint I transform the real into symbol, both archetypal and personal. My figures are non-specific, idiosyncratic and simple, suggesting everyman, sometimes hinting at the mystical. I flirt with the dark side and have a fleeting affection for it.
I employ a funky, whimsical style that has been my hallmark through a series of changes in my art, whether suffusing a painting with color or using unconventional materials in the collage process. I love the look of texture and the pleasure of working with it, suggesting the aging and imperfection of peoples and things. My subject is the universal human condition, our struggles and triumphs and ultimate decay.
There is an Urban/Primitive theme underlying most of my work. My paintings are my voice to reflect various cultures--from primitive man and our relationship to him, to the alienation of the modern. Humor and irony infuse my view of life and inform my art.
I also love the physical process of painting, open jars and paint smeared hands, and works in various stages surrounding me. The sheer love of the tools and materials draws me to the canvas. Once there, I like to take myself out on a limb, giving spontaneity and imagination the upper hand. I experience pure joy when I am working.
Sample of Darlene's Work
Browse the full collection at the gallery.
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Exhibitions
| Aug-Sep-09 |
Abuelita's Mexican Restaurant, Topanga, CA Solo Show at Abuelita's |
| June, 2009 |
Valley Institute of Art, Sherman Oaks, CA 5IVE: Group Therapy |
| May, 2009 |
Valley Institute of Art, Sherman Oaks, CA E-Collagical |
| April, 200 |
Arena 1 Gallery, Santa Monica, CA How Did We Get Here; Where are We Going |
| Jan. 2009 |
Topanga, CA Topanga Cyn Gallery Juried Show, Laddie John Dill Juror |
| 2008 |
Ventura, CA Ventura County Arts Council Juried Competition |
| 2008 |
Tarzana, CA Orlando Gallery--Small Works |
| May, 2008 |
Forbes Hall, Santa Monica, CA Solo Show |
| 2008 |
Topanga, CA Topanga Canyon Gallery Juried Open, Topanga Canyon Gallery |
| 2008 |
Burbank, CA CAA Juried Exhibition, Burbank Creative Arts Center |
| 2007 |
Sherman Oaks, CA There's No Stopping Her Now, VIVA Gallery |
| 2007 |
West Hills, CA WPW Juried Show, Finegood Art Gallery |
| 2007 |
St. Louis, MO Contemporary Women Artists, Mad Art Gallery |
| 2007 |
Channel Island, CA WPW Juried Show, CSU Studio Gallery |
| 2006 |
Los Angeles, CA LA ArtCore, The Brewery |
| 2006 |
Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arts Juried Exhibition, Long Beach Art Gallery |
| 2006 |
Glendale, CA Brand 35, Nat'l Juried Exhibition, Brand Art Gallery |
| 2006 |
Czech Republic Art Above the City, Gallery of Czech Culture, Cesky Krumlov |
| 2005 |
Glendale, CA Brand 34 Nat'l Juried Exhibit, Brand Art Gallery |
| 2005 |
Santa Monica, CA MAA Juried Exhibit, Sherry Frumpkin Santa Monica Art Studios |
| 2005 |
Pasadena, CA WPW Juried Show, Fine Artists Factory |
| 2005 |
Topanga, CA WPW Juried Show, Howell Green Gallery |
| 2005 |
Los Angeles, CA Women Painters West Juried Show, LA Artcore, the Brewery |
| 2005 |
Sherman Oaks, CA Five No Boundaries, VIVA Gallery |
| 2004 |
Thousand Oaks, CA Regional Juried Exhibit, Thousand Oaks Community Gallery |
| 2004 |
Hollywood, CA L.A. Artcore, Barnsdall Art Park |
| 2004 |
Pasadena, CA Folktree Gallery |
| 2004 |
Topanga, CA Nat'l Juried Show, Topanga Art Gallery |
| 2004 |
Fallbrook, CA Jubilee Nat'l Juried Christian Art Show, Fallbrook Art Gallery |
| 2004 |
West Hills, CA CAA Juried Exhibition, Finegood Gallery |
| 2004 |
Glendale, CA Brand 33, Nat'l Juried Competition, Brand Gallery |
| 2003 |
Glendale, CA Brand 32 Works on Paper, Nat'l Juried Exhibition, Brand Gallery |
| 2001 |
Northridge, CA So. CA. Open Regional Juried Exhibition, VIVA Gallery |
| 2000 |
West Hills, CA One Woman Show, White Meadows Gallery |
| 1999 |
Newport Beach, CA Peter J'art Gallery |
| 1998 |
Rheinfelden, Germany "In the Moment, Merkel Gallery |
Gallery Representation
Orlando Gallery, Tarzana, CA 2004/5
Abbot Kinney Art Gallery, Venice, CA 2005/6
Darlene's Favorites
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