“Color! What a deep and mysterious language. It is the language of dreams,” quotes Paul Gauguin. What better way to describe art and the language of color? Throughout art history, whether it was the classic art era or the postmodern one, we have been enthralled by the artistry of various artists. Maybe we simply want to feast our eyes on some vibrant mix of colors, or maybe it’s the sense of relatability that captures our interest. One or the other way, art has always had the power to captivate, impress, inspire and encourage the audience.
Meanwhile, only a handful of artists have clearly implemented the real purpose of art, which is, to inspire and empower while clearly defining the relationship between fantasy and reality, in their art pieces. Among these artists is Melissa Falconer whose inspirational tribute paintings and meaningful pop-art statement pieces have got her an esteemed stature in the art community.
Rihanna, The Obamas, Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant, Virgil Abloh, Toni Morrison, Issa Rae, and Yvonne Orji – these are the names of just some of the public figures Melissa Falconer has paid tribute to through her poignant pop art. Being an esteemed artist from Toronto, Canada, Melissa is a Black businesswoman and artist who prides herself in showcasing the Black culture in all its glory.
Looking at her artwork, one cannot help but notice and praise the intricate details, the boldness of her strokes, and the vibrant mix of colors. With her statement pieces, M. Falconer doesn’t only prove to be a maestro in her field but also brings her life story and experiences as a Black woman to life. And this is exactly what she envisions accomplishing – empowering others and spreading positivity through art.
Initially, Melissa didn’t start out as an artist; her journey toward this passion is rather bumpy. Halfway through her economics degree, Melissa stumbled upon the slightest opportunity to pursue her deep-seated love for art. An artist at heart, Melissa grabbed the chance and set out on her art journey, which wasn’t a smooth sail either. However, consistency and a positive mindset helped Melissa pass through the stormy waves successfully. Indeed, luck is not something you can mention in the presence of a self-made individual.
Melissa is now a profound artist and businesswoman and sells her portraits, stickers, prints, and even apparel line. From having some unsuccessful apparel drops that didn’t sell to having multiple apparel and print drops sold out, Melissa has come a long way. She is not only a pop-culture artist but also serves as an influencer in the art space, empowering other artists to follow their dreams. One of her painting series entitled “Love Yourself” is a reminder to confront negative thoughts in your mind. The collection, according to the website, was created to remind people of how amazing they are. “It boosts self-care needs with a daily reminder to love yourself.” says the Love Yourself hoodie description on the website.
The highly-appreciated “Love Yourself” collection is available on Melissa’s website in stickers, prints, and apparel. Hurry up! Get yourself a piece because there are only a few pieces left.
