Melissa Meier “Laced – Skins – Masks” Exhibit at bG Gallery

Bergamot Station in Santa Monica consistently exhibits thought-provoking yet accessible art. Bergamot Station’s bG Gallery is featuring Brazilian artist Melissa Meier’s “Laced – Skins – Masks” collection from May 8, 2021 – June 7, 2021.

Meier shares with us an impressive series of sculptures crafted from organic materials, both found and donated.

Meier’s “Laced-Skins-Masks” art show is a compilation of life-size sculptures, accompanied by large photography portraits (her adult daughter is the model). Created over the course of several years, Meier interrogates what fabrics we adorn our bodies with, and what these symbolize for us as well as the global stage at large.

Originally, Meier began creating garb (skins), and masks from unconventional fabrics to eliminate cost. As she lived and traveled globally, items such as eggshells and wheat were more affordable in large quantities than other textiles.

Masks, for Meier, are a form of expression, rather than concealment. From porcupine quills to chaff and sea shells, “Laced-Skins-Masks” approximates tribal expression, and introduces new tribal expressions. 

One of the larger works of art, a life-size suit of sea shells, was donated from Meier’s family on the East Coast. Family in Florida collected seashells following hurricanes, and shipped boxes of them to Meier. The seashell suit of armor is quite literally gifted from the sea following tumultuous times.

Well-spoken and humble, Meier delights in creating these tedious and engaging skins and masks.

Part fashion show, part art exhibition, Meier’s Bergamot Station exhibition would, of course, not be complete without the sunflower rattlesnake headdress perched just behind the welcome desk.

Exhibit: 

Melissa Meier “Laced – Skins – Masks” at bG Gallery.

Where:

Bergamot Station 
bG Gallery           
2525 Michigan Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

When:

May 8 through June 7, 2021              
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm