About the Artist
Born in Baghdad, Iraq 1996. Lives and works on Kaurna Country (South Australia).
Melak Khaleel (she/her) is an emerging visual artist, whose work explores the historical connections of art through a blend of traditional and contemporary themes. With focus on deconstructing social and patriarchal stereotypes, Melak's work explores cultural and personal identity through a radical queer, intersectional feminist lens. Influenced by her Muslim, Kurdish and Arab culture, she weaves vibrant colours, social commentary, and an array of mediums into her creations. Each piece is a testament to Melak's commitment to shedding light on the intricate intersectionality between culture, religion, politics, and identity. Her artwork challenges the viewers to reconsider preconceived notions and embrace the complexity of the human experience, especially by immigrants and refugees. With an unwavering dedication to art, education and social justice, Melak aims to pave the way for a new wave of thought-provoking and boundary-pushing marginalised artists.
Mission Statement
As a Middle Eastern woman, my vision is to use my artistic passion as a tool for activism and to shed light on the intersections of feminism, religion, queerness and politics. My upbringing and environment have influenced my art considerably and my overall approach to creating evoking work.
My goal is to challenge patriarchal norms and traditional representations of women in my Arab, Kurdish and Muslim culture, while celebrating the diversity and resilience of Middle Eastern women. The celebration of those women’s lives and their accomplishments sits at the centre of my artistic inspiration.
I strive to create works of art that promote the empowerment of women, inspire critical thinking about the role of religion in society, and provoke dialogue about the political struggles faced by women who look and have lived like me. My hope is to use my art to contribute to a more just and equitable world, where the voices and experiences of Middle Eastern women are visible and validated.