The artist from the Hawaiian Islands Melissa Himera talks about modern human migration, about her genealogical history as a descendant of immigrants from the Philippines and Lebanon. Her latest series is based on archival materials stored in family and public collections.
Citizenship related features are blurred by personal and cultural associations in the paintings of Chimera. Photographic images and text are embedded in carefully drawn forms on canvas covered with scorched cloth — a reference to its Lebanese ancestors who worked in the textile industry after moving to the United States.
Chimera's approach implies a hazy sense of belonging that describes her personal reputation as a member of numerous diaspora communities.
Chimera Works also based on her academic and professional experience in the conservation of natural resources.