Rhetoric of Violence and Trauma

The Durst Organization in conjunction with Priska C. Juschka Fine Art presents


Dana Melamed

Rhetoric of Violence and Trauma

October 31 - December 12, 2008

Reception for the Artist: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 6 - 8 PM


Dana Melamed has always been fascinated with the development of cities from an architectural, historical, social and political point of view. The urban experience serves as the framework and trigger for the emotional turmoil that she sets forth with her fierce and impulsive practice. In her work, Melamed assembles a fictitious urban environment that does not refer to a specific place, nor express a particular narrative—yet carries the weight and intensity of a mute history.

Melamed uses a collection of current and historical documents, architectural renderings and aerial photographs as references for her landscapes. Building upon her canvases using materials associated with construction, including sheet rock mesh, plaster, printing waste and scrap metal, the artist creates a unique three-dimensional surface. To process her work, Melamed scorches the surface with a blow torch and cuts into the layers with a razor. As the different materials dissolve into one another, concept and technique coalesce, thus forming the overwhelming impressions of destruction and decay.

The fusion of destructive techniques in her work reflects the aggression and abuse demonstrated by mankind throughout the centuries, directed towards each other and the environment. However, the artist remains optimistic viewing the process as, "….A journey deeper into our personal layers and past, our own thoughts and emotions. Perhaps if we dig deeper, we can find ourselves beyond the bustle, noise, chaos, and at last—beneath the surface."

The Durst Organization
Lobby Gallery
1155 Avenue of the Americas
(Between 44th & 45th Street)
New York, NY 10036