“Ghost in the Machine”

Frank Pictues Gallery, Bergamont Station
Opening Reception September 14th 2008
6:30-9:30 pm

Melly Trochez was born in Los Angeles, California in 1978.  At a young age of 29, the prolific artist has already reached several ambitious markers in her career.  Her paintings are sought by major museums and private collections nation wide.  She has exhibited in over 30 established galleries and a few museums including the De Young Museum in San Francisco and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in California.  Frank Pictures Gallery at Bergamont Station in Santa Monica hosted Melly’s first solo exhibition self titled one year ago. Proved a success, the gallery will host her second solo titled “Ghost in the Machine”.  This exhibition will show a comprehensive body of work that expresses the interest to share her personal philosophies on art, life and spirituality.

“The Ghost in the Machine” refers to the clash between the human soul and the external forces that influence the journey to spiritual liberation. From early cave paintings to ancient Egypt, to Renaissance paintings art has managed to report current ideologies of its time. What makes the work of Melly Trochez so uniquely compelling because not only is she currently undertaking this colossal journey but she is also willing to share the intimate process of self- discovery with her audience. Many of her works are significantly timely in that they reflect the current state of humanity who hunger for spirituality and are hindered by media oppression and commercialism. Although uplifting and delicately passionate, her paintings are also a commentary on pop culture, where quick, easy and instantly gratifying solutions are offered to complex spiritual dilemmas.  They comment on the destruction of culture and identity while also raising questions regarding the harmony between human desire and spiritual awakening.  That is, how can humanity live sincerely and genuinely within the confining influence of the machine? Most importantly, how can humanity salvage the ghost from corruption and decay? These conflicting dilemmas permeate throughout her works with the sole purpose of initiating dialogue within the inner ghosts of her audience.

mellytrochez.com, Frank Pictures Gallery