ART EDIT’S PANEL OF GALLERISTS AND AN ART FAIR CURATOR TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS ARTIST AND SHARE TIPS ON HOW TO HANG THEIR WORK.
Kerry-Anne Blanket, KAB Gallery, Terrigal
Mel Hayton has created a bright, enigmatic work, with a homage to Pop Art. There is much to connect with and enjoy within this work. As the title suggests, it is a celebration of 20th-century artist and interior designer Vanessa Bell, a trailblazing woman in the arts who I’m certain would be thrilled with this bright, bold and exciting tribute. This fun work brings together elements of several art genres, interior styles, times and trends of the past.
Georgia Huestis, The Affordable Art Fair, Melbourne
What a celebration of colour, pattern and personality! A stack of richly coloured books on the side table, florals in abundance, a cacophony of cushions comfortably strewn and paintings within a painting. Mel captures an intimacy and dynamic warmth with quirk and style. Charmingly naïve perspective meets skilled portraiture, the crackling of the fire and the comfortably reclined resident’s little black dress and strewn high heels suggest a home one feel’s happy returning home to.
Salli Coppin, Margaret River Gallery, Margaret River
Mel is known for her vibrant paintings of interiors which celebrate women. On viewing this piece, questions on the life of Vanessa Bell arise and draw you into her story. Bright, contrasting colours are softened by line, which emanate an overall feeling of sensual softness. All of this in contrast to the stark exterior viewed through the windows and doors creates an intriguing piece to explore and brighten up any space.