Melissa Chimera

Influenced by her background in nature conservation, much of Melissa Chimera’s artwork investigates species extinction, globalization and human migration. In this work, she juxtaposes the lush, layered and painted surfaces, reminiscent of decorative textile patterns with the images of endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers, ‘I‘iwi and Palila. In addition to these birds are images of her ghost-like figure as a child transferred onto silk and stitched onto the canvas, as well as the chimera monster with a branch in its mouth. The viewer is left with the delight of visual pleasure contrasted with a sense of uncertainty and trepidation. Chimera states, “This series is a call out to us, to humanity and to our birds–to stay with us a bit longer.”