Rafael Melendez
American, b. 1970
Rafael Melendez (b. 1970, USA) attended the New Genres program at The San Francisco Art Institute before moving to New York and eventually London in 2018. Movements found within the modernist tradition, in particular Dadaism and Surrealism, but also Art Brut and automatic drawing, where the subconscious meets the stylised, have been and are important sources of inspiration for his practice.
His work has been shown at Susquehanna Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Oakland University Art Gallery, Diego Rivera Gallery, Longwood Art Gallery, Bronx Art Space, Hell Gate Arts, Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, AC Institute, Space 776, Present Company, Momenta, The Accessible Art Fair Brussels, Swab Art Fair Barcelona and Stand4 Gallery.(Biography provided by Rafael Melendez)
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Navigating A Love Storm in Octopus State
Located in London, GB
Step into a realm of profound existential symbolism as you delve into the depths of "Navigating A Love Storm in Octopus State, 2010-11." This extraordinary artwork transcends the bou...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Ontological I
Located in London, GB
Prepare to delve into the captivating allure of this ontological gem, a rare and unique find that traverses the realms of conceptual art, American folk art, and contemporary expressions. Through its remarkable fusion, the boundaries between these genres blur, creating an enthralling and elusive artistic experience.
Meticulously crafted on small brown cardstock, using meticulously hand-mixed watercolor paints in a mesmerizing blue oxide hue, this exceptional artwork defies conventional labels and redefines the very essence of artistic expression. Its intricate symbolism intricately weaves together the interplay of reality and imagination, captivating seasoned collectors and emerging enthusiasts alike.
As you embark on a journey through its depths, your senses will be immediately captivated by the enchanting presence of a human-like blue creature...
Category
2010s Neo-Expressionist Rafael Melendez
Materials
Watercolor, Paper
Ontological II
Located in London, GB
Embark on a journey through the captivating allure of "Ontological II" (2023), a small artwork that radiates a powerful presence. Blurring the boundaries between conceptual art, Amer...
Category
2010s Neo-Expressionist Rafael Melendez
Materials
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Untitled
Located in London, GB
"Untitled, 2024" Part 2 of 4 canvases is a compelling 20cm x 20cm painting skillfully crafted with acrylic paint, ink, and glass beads on hand-stretched linen. Using opaque, transl...
Category
2010s Neo-Expressionist Rafael Melendez
Materials
Acrylic Polymer, Archival Ink, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in London, GB
"Untitled, 2024" is a new 20cm x 20cm painting skillfully crafted with acrylic paint, ink, and glass beads on hand-stretched linen. Drawing inspiration from James Ensor's diabolic mo...
Category
2010s Neo-Expressionist Rafael Melendez
Materials
Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Archival Ink, Acrylic
Blue Complex
Located in London, GB
Rafael Melendez's "Blue Complex" is a unique and captivating 2003 drawing that embodies the multifaceted essence of the East Village in New York City during the early 2000s. "Blue Complex" is a small-scale drawing measuring only 30cm x 15cm. Despite its smaller size, the vibrant blues used in the piece and the faint grey sky background horizon give the drawing a magnetic allure that draws the viewer's eye.
The small scale of the drawing creates an opportunity for unique display and installation potential. "Blue Complex" would look stunning in a minimal oversized wooden frame...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Foot Head Smoking
Located in London, GB
Overflowing with imaginative symbolism, Rafael Melendez's Neo-conceptualist work on paper, Foot Head Smoking, 2022, captivates avant-garde enthusiasts seeking a distinctive approach ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Oil Pastel, Archival Paper, Mixed Media, Oil Crayon
Mouth Smoking
Located in London, GB
Imbued with a darkly humorous iconography, Rafael Melendez's Neo-conceptualist creations captivate the contemporary art scene. Mouth Smoking (2022) epitomizes the audacious, influent...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Oil Pastel, Laid Paper
Symbol Abstraction I
Located in London, GB
Symbol Abstraction I, 2020 is an enigmatic, medium-sized artwork created by Rafael Melendez using gesso and acrylic paint on paper. Crafted at the artist's Fish Island Studio during ...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Acrylic
Rave Sister X
Located in London, GB
Rave Sister X, a vibrant watercolour painting on gessoed paper created in 2020, captures the essence of a dance trance in a mesmerizing and abstract manner. This monochromatic artwor...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Rave Heads X
Located in London, GB
Rafael Melendez's artwork titled "Mosh Pit X" is a captivating exploration of human interaction and the juxtaposition between the energetic atmosphere of a mosh pit and the confines ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Memory Incubator
Located in London, GB
Introducing "Memory Incubator" by Rafael Melendez - A Captivating Fusion of Artistic Styles and Symbolism
Step into the mesmerizing realm of "Memory Incubator," a thought-provoking ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pen, Permanent Marker
Emoship
Located in London, GB
Introducing "Emoship," a captivating painting by the esteemed American artist Rafael Melendez, renowned for infusing existentialism and profound meanin...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Blackhearts Rave
Located in London, GB
Blackheart's Rave, 2019, Collage, Mixed media: Marker, Pencil, Drawing, Acrylic and Watercolour on gessoed shopping bag mounted on archival museum board in a Street Art styled bespoke oak wood frame. , 93.2 x 63.2 . 3.5 centimetres total dimension
This Rave Dance club-inspired artwork takes the energy found in New York City's nightlife.
Rafael Melendez - July 2022
Rafael Melendez (b.1970, USA) renders motifs from high past art with self-taught experimental techniques to produce an unexpected and highly unique visual language riddled with esoteric symbolism. The figures that inhabit his paintings are born from a desire to understand 'abnormal' worldviews, such as Outsider Art, transgressive fiction, and metaphysics. In a constantly evolving practice encompassing drawing, collage, and painting, Melendez strives to visualize/express a moment of unity between beauty and that which doesn't make sense.
Melendez starts out as an installation and video artist in 1990s San Francisco. As a student for internationally acclaimed writer Kathy Acker and conceptual artist Nayland Blake...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Pencil
Moon Dancer
Located in London, GB
Discover the enthralling "Moon Dancer" drawing crafted by Rafael Melendez in 2020. This medium-sized drawing on paper seamlessly fuses various art forms, epitomizing the artist's rem...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Acrylic Polymer, Watercolor, Pencil, Archival Paper
Rainbowers I-XVI (Portfolio of 16 Drawings)
Located in London, GB
Rainbowers I-XVI, a portfolio of 16 watercolours created in 2022, pays homage to the rich tradition of American Visionary art and self-taught artists. Inspired by the works of influe...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil, Mixed Media
Eden's Rave
Located in London, GB
"Eden's Rave" by Rafael Melendez is a captivating hybrid artwork that combines drawings, painting, and sculpture to create a visually stimulating and thought-provoking composition. T...
Category
2010s Contemporary Rafael Melendez
Materials
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Pencil
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Rafael Melendez art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Rafael Melendez art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Rafael Melendez in paint, paper, watercolor and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Rafael Melendez art, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Rafael Melendez art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $663 and tops out at $2,542, while the average work can sell for $1,019.