MelissAllegories: Strings of Metaphors
Melissa Hernandez mixes creative writing with representations through the use of the literary device allegoría (ἀλληγορία): veiled or figurative language. Her studio and written work combines imagery with a variety of artistic techniques, from which she construct a (semi-)hidden narrative. The gradually expanding body of work titled, MelissAllegories, is a cohesive narrative art collection that connects the visual studio arts with anthologies (collections of short stories). It is made up of five groups/worlds within one world: At the Garden, The Deep-Sea, Caged-City, Inside the Cave, and The Electric Forest. Each group takes place in a different setting with different main characters which are all interconnected, and together they will represent a multiplied number of metaphors that are combined to communicate secular principles and values.
Overall, MelissAllegories focuses on personal growth and/or enlightenment, contemplation and discernment (or deep thoughts), protection versus power and mind-control, the art of writing or solving codes, and embracing ambiguity (or the unknownable). Each setting (or composition) mixes in animals, mammals, and/or sea creatures. The growing narrative speaks of human values, such as hope, as a means to positively inspire towards reaching self-actualization and human flourishing.
Overall, MelissAllegories focuses on personal growth and/or enlightenment, contemplation and discernment (or deep thoughts), protection versus power and mind-control, the art of writing or solving codes, and embracing ambiguity (or the unknownable). Each setting (or composition) mixes in animals, mammals, and/or sea creatures. The growing narrative speaks of human values, such as hope, as a means to positively inspire towards reaching self-actualization and human flourishing.