Melvin Way's Esoteric Drawings at Christian Berst Gallery
The Christian Berst gallery in Paris is currently displaying pieces by Melvin Way, an American artist born in 1954. Raised in Brooklyn, Way initially focused on music while studying science. Following struggles with mental health, he resided in shelters and psychiatric facilities, where he produced a distinctive collection of art. The gallery owner emphasizes the ability of Way's work to 'shake' its audience, merging elements of mathematics with esoteric themes. Andrew Castrucci, who conducted workshops in shelters, recounts how Way would gather paper to inscribe with 'secret messages,' utilizing old materials, ballpoint pens, and tape. His creations, resembling graphic scores, incorporate molecular diagrams and geometric shapes, reflecting his fascination with space and time, while exuding an 'aura' of Art Brut.
Key facts
- Melvin Way was born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York.
- He initially studied science and worked as a musician before developing mental health issues.
- Way lived in homeless shelters and psychiatric centers where he created his art.
- His works are made from scraps of paper, ballpoint pen, and tape.
- The drawings feature equations, geometric figures, and molecular diagrams.
- The exhibition is held at Christian Berst gallery in Paris.
- Andrew Castrucci, who ran art workshops in shelters, provided insights into Way's process.
- Way's work is compared to avant-garde composers like Cage, Ligeti, and Stockhausen.
Entities
Artists
- Melvin Way
- Andrew Castrucci
- John Cage
- György Ligeti
- Karlheinz Stockhausen
Institutions
- Christian Berst gallery
Locations
- Brooklyn
- New York
- Paris
- France
Sources
- artpress —