Mood Rings 9, 2023
Melissa Ichiuji is an American artist celebrated for her evocative and provocative sculptures that explore themes of power, violence, and mortality. Her work often incorporates materials such as leather, latex, dried fruit, bones, human hair, fur, and pantyhose, creating fantastical figurative pieces with a surrealist aesthetic.
Before transitioning to visual arts, Ichiuji had a career as a professional dancer and actress. She trained with the Martha Graham School and was a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, also touring Europe in a production of "West Side Story." This background in performance deeply influences her sculptural work, infusing it with a dynamic sense of movement and emotion.
Ichiuji received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. Her art has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, including solo exhibitions such as "In the Flesh" at the Schmucker Art Gallery, which featured her series "Fair Game"—portraits of political figures from the 2012 election season.
In addition to her textile sculptures, Ichiuji's diverse body of work encompasses performance art, ceramics, steel sculptures, and paintings. She continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, engaging audiences with her thought-provoking and emotionally charged creations.