
Melissa Hartley
Born: 1996
Hometown: Harrogate
Based in: London
Melissa Hartley is a London based British artist/muralist focusing on 2D image making, graduating BA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins 2019.
Melissa works primarily with paint, while initially interpreting her surroundings with the use of photography. She has always believed that painting is much more beautiful and sublime than a photograph could ever be. Melissa paints to portray emotions through a visual sense, typically using colour as a means to control the energy and direct the eye. She distils geometric abstraction that explores the relationships between space, shape, colour and light. Whilst blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture, she describes her work as 'bold yet ethereal’.
Melissa’s work has been shortlisted for the ACS Studio Prize, 2019 and won The People’s Choice for the Hix Award, 2019. Exhibitions and auctions including: Art on a Postcard Auction, for International Women’s Day, London, 2020. The Crossover, The Auction Collective X Motley, London, 2019 and Vibrancy, Brownsword Hepworth, London, 2019.
Melissa Hartley In The Studio
More About Melissa Hartley
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Colourful, Abstract, Bold
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Rana Begum, Donal Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, Sarah Morris
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Tape and Acrylic paint
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Trust your own judgement, you have to believe in yourself and your work or no one else will.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Visiting exhibitions and taking lots of photographs of my surroundings
Credentials
Education
Central Saint Martins
United Kingdom, 2019
Leeds College of Art
United Kingdom, 2015
Awards
People's Choice Award - Hix Award
2019
The Slate Residency - Thailand
2019
Shortlisted for ACS Studio Prize
2019