Melissa Wallen’s paintings are immersive explorations, merging her inner world with the canvas. Wallen layers luminous hues and expressive brushwork to evoke emotional landscapes shaped by touch, intuition, and reflection.
Her work is a process of discovery, with each piece evolving through its own visual challenges and unexpected solutions. Influenced by art history, poetry, music, and travel, her pieces recall the vibrant language of Manet, Bonnard, and the Fauves, yet remain uniquely contemporary. Wallen’s art opens a dialogue between fragmented forms and rich emotional depths, inviting viewers to engage with the evocative potential of color and gesture.
Born in New Jersey, Wallen moved to Miami in 2006. After receiving her BFA in Painting and Fibers at Florida International University, she joined the staff of the de la Cruz Collection, opening the private collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz to the public in Miami’s Design District in 2009. Most recently, she held the position of Director until the collection’s closure in 2024. In 2022, she was recognized as a Knight Arts Champion by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for her ongoing contributions and leadership within Miami’s art community.