Mel Odom

In this episode of Studio Breaks, acclaimed painter and illustrator Mel Odom takes us around his studio to view his sketches, drawings, paintings, and, briefly, his extensive doll collection. Odom talks about his life-long impulse to make art, as well as his pursuit to create for the pure sake of beauty.

Odom's draughtsmanship combines the delicate lushness of Botticelli with the unbridled sensuality of Tom of Finland. By merging these elements with American Pop iconography such as Old Hollywood, vintage dolls, and high-fashion magazines, his illustrative style of art encapsulates an aesthetic sensibility of beauty that is uniquely, specifically, and unabashedly queer.

See the work featured in this video and more in his online show on Equity Gallery's WING project space and our Artsy profile, " Mel Odom: Pansy Boy." You can also read more about Odom in the companion article for the exhibition written by our executive director, Michael Gormley. Find the links for both below!

Visit the EAST WING here!

Visit our Artsy Profile here!

Read Michael Gormley’s Essay Here!

Charlotte Sears