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Artist Bio

Melanie Gatica (b. 2000 in Salinas, California) is a multidisciplinary artist with an emphasis in painting. She is attending California State University of Monterey Bay and working towards her Bachelor's degree in Visual and Public Art.

Artist Statement

My work is heavily influenced by bygone eras, particularly the visual aesthetics of pulp comics, pin-up posters, and retro psychedelic films. Growing up with "Cine de Oro Mexicano" films in the background, I was drawn to the glamorous women on screen, which contrasted with my Catholic upbringing. This tension between admiration and societal expectations about femininity informs much of my artistic exploration, challenging traditional ideas of what it means to be a "good Catholic girl." My paintings primarily depict women, often imagined characters influenced by real-life experiences, with a focus on women of color, especially Latinas, because I rarely see Hispanic women represented in art. That absence drives me to put them at the center of my work.


I find the familiar details of my surroundings to be the most captivating. These nostalgic details reflect a world that feels both personal and culturally significant. In my art I always aim to combine the glamorous with the mundane, crafting scenes that evoke a surreal sense of nostalgia, sometimes blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. To convey a “dreamy” atmosphere in my art, I gravitate toward colors like purples and blues, adding a sense of mystique and emotion. The use of reds and pinks enhances the glamorous and feminine touch, tying back to the beauty I admire. I also enjoy blending digital and traditional mediums, often mixing acrylics with digital techniques. People frequently can’t tell which medium I’m using, which adds a layer of intrigue to my work. This fusion of techniques creates a unique visual experience that complements the depth of the stories I aim to tell through each woman I paint.
 

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