PRESS RELEASE: KARLA MELLETT PRESENTS, SOLO EXHIBITION AT FANDI MATA

A New Body of Work Exploring Dreamlike Imagery, Humor, and the Human Condition

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — September 2026 — New York-based surrealist and multidisciplinary artist Karla Mellett presents a new solo exhibition at Fandi Mata, bringing together a body of work that explores dreamlike imagery, humor, philosophical reflection, and the complexities of the human condition.

Born in Minnesota in 1996, Mellett is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, film, installation, and performance. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BA in 2D & Stop-Motion Animation, their practice blends surreal imagery, humor, and philosophical reflections on human experience, drawing influence from Surrealism and Expressionism.

Since relocating to New York City in 2021, Mellett has expanded their artistic practice beyond the studio and into live performance. They have become active in New York’s comedy and improv scene, where their sharp wit and storytelling reflect the same surreal and human-centered themes present throughout their visual work.

Mellett’s work moves between the familiar and the unexpected, creating spaces where humor, imagination, and reflection intersect. Their multidisciplinary approach allows ideas to take shape across different mediums, while maintaining a distinct interest in the strange, the dreamlike, and the deeply human.

Through painting, film, installation, and performance, Mellett creates work that invites audiences to look beyond straightforward interpretation and engage with the emotional, philosophical, and often humorous aspects of everyday existence.

The exhibition at Fandi Mata offers an intimate encounter with Mellett’s evolving artistic language and presents a selection of works reflecting their ongoing exploration of surrealism, storytelling, and the human condition..

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Artist: Karla Mellett

Exhibition: Solo Exhibition by Karla Mellett

Venue: Fandi Mata

Address: 74 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Exhibition Period: September 16 – October 13, 2026

Curated by: Ovono Agency

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

September 16, 2026 — Opening Event

The exhibition opens with an evening introducing Mellett’s work to artists, collectors, creatives, and the broader New York art community.

September 23, 2026 — Networking & Collector Viewing Hosted By Parlor Social Club

An intimate evening presented by Parlor Social Club, bringing together art collectors, artists, creatives, and members of New York’s cultural community. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Karla Mellett’s exhibition and participate in a special Q&A session with the artist, offering insight into their creative process, inspirations, personal experiences, and the ideas behind the works on view. The evening will also provide an opportunity for guests to connect, network, and engage in meaningful conversations around contemporary art and collecting.

September 30, 2026 — Networking & Collector Viewing

An evening centered on art, conversation, networking, and deeper engagement with Mellett’s work.

October 7, 2026 — Closing Event

The exhibition concludes its public programming with a closing celebration bringing together the community surrounding the exhibition.

The exhibition will remain on view through October 13, 2026.

ABOUT KARLA MELLETT

Karla Mellett (b. 1996, Minnesota, USA) is a New York-based surrealist, multidisciplinary artist working across painting, film, installation, and performance. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BA in 2D & stop-motion animation, their work blends dreamlike imagery, humor, and philosophical reflections on the human condition, drawing influence from Surrealism and Expressionism.

Since relocating to NYC in 2021, Mellett has expanded their practice into live performance, becoming active in the city’s comedy and improv scene, where their sharp wit and storytelling mirror the same surreal, human-centered themes found in their visual art.

ABOUT OVONO AGENCY

Ovono Agency is a creative and cultural agency working across art, artists, exhibitions, events, media, and cultural programming. Through collaborations with artists, galleries, collectors, and creative communities, Ovono Agency develops platforms designed to connect contemporary art with broader audiences.

PRESS & MEDIA CONTACT

Ovono Agency • New York, NY

Contact Information

• Website / Instagram – www.ovonoagency.com / @ovoomedia