Isabella Mellado

Isabella Mellado’s work delves into themes of queer identity, Latinx diaspora, and spiritual symbolism. Her artistic practice is deeply autobiographical, drawing from her experiences navigating the intersections of gender, culture, and belief systems. Mellado's paintings are characterized by their magical realist style, often incorporating elements from tarot, Catholic iconography, and esoteric traditions. Through her vivid and theatrical compositions, she reimagines figures from mythology and religion, creating a visual language that challenges conventional narratives and embraces the complexities of identity. Working across various media—including painting, photography, costume design, digital collage, and sculpture—Mellado constructs immersive worlds that invite viewers into a space where the sacred and the profane coexist. Her creative process often begins with performance, where she collaborates with others to stage ritualistic scenes that are later transformed into large-scale paintings. These works explore themes such as desire, transformation, and the rejection of shame, offering a reimagined perspective on what is often deemed taboo. Through her multifaceted practice, Isabella Mellado continues to engage with and challenge the narratives surrounding identity, spirituality, and community, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of the self. ...