Mel Chin

The complex, interdisciplinary work of Mel Chin encompasses conceptual drawings, sculptures, collages, paintings, multimedia installations, films, performances, and land art projects. Some of his works address cross-cultural political, ecological, and societal themes, while others reflect a personal and surreal character—often inspired by dreams. Chin's approach is rooted in meticulous research and innovative interdisciplinary and intercultural collaborations with institutions from various fields, other artists, and scientists. Such collaborative projects aim to reach a broader audience. Positioned at the intersection of art and science, they seek to spark interdisciplinary dialogue or even encourage a shift in perspective on the respective topics. The question of how art can foster social awareness and a sense of responsibility runs like a common thread through his artistic practice. During the preliminary research for his projects, Mel Chin also crystallizes the choice of materials and the formal development of his works. The latter often draws inspiration from forms found in biology and nature.

In the third solo exhibition of the American conceptual artist at the Thomas Rehbein Gallery, the thematic focuses of his work are illuminated through drawing plans and concepts for various projects in both public and private spaces.

(Miriam Walgate, 2016)

Mel Chin has previously held solo exhibitions at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington (DC), the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (MN), The Menil Collection, Houston (TX), the Station Museum of Contemporary Art, Houston (TX), and the Het Domein Museum, Sittard (NL). Most recently, the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans (LA), and the Blaffer Art Museum and Contemporary Art Museum Houston, Houston (TX), showcased a comprehensive retrospective of Mel Chin. He has received awards and honors from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York, the Pollock/Krasner Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. His works are represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York (NY), the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (NY), the Walker Art Center Minneapolis (MN), The Menil Collection, Houston (TX), as well as in the collection of Gaby and Wilhelm Schürmann.