MICHELE MELCHER

DECADENCE & DISOBEDIENCE 

solo exhibition

November 17th - December 17th, 2023

Opening Reception: Friday, December 1st from 5pm - 9pm

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Arch Enemy Arts is pleased to present DECADENCE & DISOBEDIENCE, nine new paintings by dark surrealist Michele Melcher. Depicted at a charming scale in oil on masonite and framed in grand antiques, Melcher invites us to look closely. She’s created a playful take on the 15th and 16th century tradition of “memento mori,” Latin meaning “remember you must die.”

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“I love the old memento mori paintings and other classic, masterful works. Hieronymus Bosch, Alexander Roslin, Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Masters, and dark humor. The little imps and demons causing trouble and getting themselves into situations. How can you not smile at those little menaces?”

- Michele Melcher

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In fact, Melcher’s paintings strike us as more fun than fearsome despite their dark allusions. Opulent feathers and ridiculous wigs adorn decrepit skeletons. Tiny, mischievous devils wreak havoc in carefully constructed still lifes. And as we lean in to explore these mementos of death, we smile, reminded of “memento mori’s” opposite imperative: “memento vivere.” Through decadence and disobedience, we can “remember to live.”

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Based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Michele Melcher’s background is in illustration; she is self-trained as an oil painter studying classical techniques. DECADENCE & DISOBEDIENCE is Melcher’s first solo feature with Arch Enemy Arts after appearing in several group shows with the gallery. 

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- written by Candice Musher

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DECADENCE & DISOBEDIENCE will be on view from November 17th - December 17th, 2023.
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting December 17th, unless other rush arrangements have been made.

Payment plan options are available on most works.

All items marked with a red dot have been sold. 

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