IN THE STUDIO WITH MELINDA HACKETT
- Victoria Hood, Founder
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11
An artist's intent to inspire viewers to find beauty in abstraction and to embrace the dreamlike quality of art that transcends time and space.
Standard Space gallery’s latest exhibition, HYDROGLYPHS: A Symbolic Language, by artist Melinda Hackett and curated by Douglas Turner is a reflection of an ongoing dialogue with art history and the rich tapestry of influences that shape a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting, there is a sense of spontaneity and freedom in the work. The overlapping, transparent circles and intricate patterns, for example, resonate with notions of interconnectedness found in both nature and cellular biology, further inviting viewers to let their imagination wander between the microscopic and the celestial. Additionally, the use of vibrant hues and earthy tones pays homage to a multitude of cultural artistic traditions that celebrate color as a language of emotion—echoing the bold palettes of Van Gogh and the expressive brushwork of the Fauvists. HYDROGLYPHS therefore engages in a continuous conversation with art history, not only as a past influence, but as an active participant in a vibrant present.
Where did you grow up and what is your first impactful memory of art?
I grew up primarily in New York City in the 1960’s. I think that my radar was always in tune to the visual images of the time: flower power, vibrant colors, peace signs etc. My mother took me to the Museum of Modern Art when I was a teenager and I was captivated by the boxes of Joseph Cornell with his secret, private worlds and family of found objects. As a young artist I took off in that direction and still have a small practice making collages especially when I travel (foreign trash is fascinating).
When did you know you wanted to pursue your career in art? What path did you take to become an artist?
I think that I have always been an artist. I studied Art History in college because I believe it is crucial to have an understanding of the what went before. I opened a small East Village gallery in the New York of the late 80’s/early 90’s where my partner and I showed the work of friends and
fellow artists, sculptors and photographers. After it closed, I went to graduate school in New York and got my MFA in the mid nineties and have been painting ever since.
How does it feel to have your second solo show at Standard Space?
Standard Space is a super place to show and both of my shows have been smooth, easy and tons of fun. The minute I walked into the space for my first show in July of 2018 I immediately felt at home. It has great karma and I think my work looks particularly nice there. It’s been great to reunite
with the team, founder Theo, curator Douglas and publicist Victoria and to have a winter show there this time.
What is the inspiration behind the new works?
The inspiration is always driven by color and form. When I paint, an action is always met by another reaction, if that makes sense. In other words, after I make a mark, in most cases a circle, I can tell where I have to be with the next mark. One image builds on another until I have a complete
painting.
Could you tell us more about your choice to use bold and bright colors?
I get very jazzed by all the colors of paint in the art supply store and I want them all. I do have some old favorites like cadmium red, unbleached titanium, raw umber but with everything available it’s pretty fun to play with them and get them to talk to each other. Color value is important too so I usually look (squint) at something I’m working on in the semi dark at the
end of the day to see if there’s good tension between the lights and darks. Maybe it all goes back to those eye popping colors of the 1960’s!
Which piece is your favorite and why?
I think it’s always hard to make a good red painting for a variety of reasons (no offense to monsieur Matisse). The red painting in the show ‘Pom’ is a particular favorite of mine because I think it has a kind of ‘fall into it’ quality and captures space in an interesting way.
What do you have next on the horizon?
Having the show at Standard Space has gotten me energized to get back into the studio and start a new series of big work on paper. I was having a bit of an enthusiasm lull before the opening but like magic I feel completely reenergized and psyched for what lays ahead.
Any last words of advice to aspiring artists?
I think that as obvious as it may sound, I’d say to aspiring artists to just keep making the work. Don’t be afraid if it seems bad or derivative, and don’t be afraid to copy people’s styles along the way-you will find yours soon enough. I really do believe that in art, like in life, the longer you do
something the better you get at it and that it’s all a process. The journey may not always make sense but the real magic happens in the studio one on one with the work.
About
Standard Space is an artist run project space and gallery for innovative and challenging contemporary art. Our primary focus is on collaboration with artist / curators who champion emerging and mid-career artists in amplifying the voices—both curatorial and artistic—of underrepresented groups in the art world. We partner with curators who push the envelope and welcome all media, from video installation and performance art to painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
When to Visit
Friday - Sunday, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday - Thursday, by appointment
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