Mel Chin: Points of View

Mel Chin was born in Houston, Texas in 1951. A conceptual artist known for his mastery of multiple media as well as his commitment to social, economic, and ecological vigilance, often the concept or subject matter is on near equal footing with the techniques used to create it.

Mel Chin: Points of View references Chin’s many points of view in his artistic approach. Ann Harithas, founder and executive director of the Museum, began working on this show virtually with Chin during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the concept of “Five Points” conjoined with Chin’s multiple points of view and approaches to his art. Some points of view in this show are political, some are ecological, some are scientific, and several are personal, including homages to his Texas roots and those that have inspired his work.

This exhibition is designed to be installed across multiple phases. The opening phase examines our culture’s division, stewardship of our environment and identity, and the consequences of our decisions. There are also overlays of humor, spirit and dedication. Whether Chin’s subject matter is climate change, the enormous costs of wars, or lead poisoning in America’s marginalized communities, he approaches it with creativity, dedication, humor, and spirit to prompt viewers to critically think about the real and complex issues we face daily.

Chin was awarded a Macarthur Fellowship in 2019 and has received numerous awards and grants from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Joan Mitchell, Rockefeller and Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundations, among others.