Melanie Clemmons’ work addresses the issues of the internet and social media while giving viewers a space for spiritual pause and meditation. Finding inspiration from magic and gaming theory, the work in this exhibition touches on the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water to create a ritual space while casting a magic circle for the amplification of spiritual energy and protection. She uses 3D printed healing crystals with smartphones which are metaphysically ‘charged’ by the phones, therefore imbuing the crystals with abilities for safer and healthier digital tech use. Web portals offer viewers online access to these metaphysical havens, and when available for in-person access, gallery visitors become part of the virtual experience via captive webcams.
About the Artist
Based in Dallas, Texas, Melanie Clemmons is a new media artist interested in the effects of technology on society. She makes videos, net art, installations, and VR experiences. In 2018, Clemmons toured with Pussy Riot doing visuals and music videos during their first North American tour and has collaborated with Zak Loyd as Vidkidz since 2009. Her work has been shown at HeK (House of Electronic Arts), Basel, Switzerland; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Echo Park Film Center, Los Angeles; UPFOR Digital, Portland; Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago; TRANSFER Gallery, Brooklyn; Denver Digerati; Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art; ATLAS Blackbox, Boulder, CO; and many other DIY spaces and venues.
This exhibition and events are generously sponsored by the Ballantine Visiting Artist Fund.