ARTIST STATEMENT
I paint stories—my own, those I’ve witnessed, and the thoughts stirred by what’s happening in the world around me. My work often begins with lived experience: memories, encounters, or events that linger in my mind. I’m deeply influenced by storytelling and by the emotional weight of people’s experiences—both shared with me and quietly observed.
Each painting becomes part of a visual diary, preserving people, places, feelings, and reflections from meaningful points in time. I’m drawn to the hidden narratives behind everyday life—the gestures, expressions, and quiet moments that reveal something deeper. Through these glimpses, I explore what it means to be human, always aiming to create a sense of wonder, recognition, and connection.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Melissa Arostegui is a storyteller at heart, using bold portraits and whimsical still life paintings to explore narratives of everyday life—often drawn from her own experiences or inspired by the lives of those around her. Her passion for shapes, colors, and storytelling began in childhood, when she created vibrant scenes—her childhood home, a lively street filled with characters and unfolding stories, and even a mock newspaper capturing the lives of her neighbors. Inspired by artists like Elizabeth Murray, Alex Katz, and David Hockney, Melissa developed a distinctive style while earning her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across Illinois, including a solo show, Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled, at Air Studio & Gallery in Glencoe. Her art has also been featured in Art & Beyond and Create magazine and displayed on a banner in West Chicago.
Recent and upcoming group exhibitions include BFF: Modern Portraits at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Florida, Dear Jazz at the Fulton Street Collective, Collective Narratives: Artists, Influences & Inspirations From Around the City, at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago and Portraits With Impact at the Grove Gallery in Evanston.
© Melissa Arostegui