Orlando Meléndez

My work is an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with everyday objects that hold the essence of our cultural identity. With vibrant colors inspired by the tropics, I explore themes of existence and solitude, combining techniques like drawing, painting, and graphic design. Through these methods, I seek to reinterpret familiar objects, transforming them with bold color choices and a unique palette that gives them new life and meaning.
In each piece, I aim to create a modern still life that carries echoes of Puerto Rican heritage, merging traditional symbols with a contemporary POP aesthetic. Objects like orchids, bananas, and coffee makers are given new personalities, prompting viewers to question their familiar forms and colors. I want my work to encourage viewers to slow down, engage deeply, and find new perspectives within the everyday. Each color choice is intentional, often subverting expectations to spark curiosity—why a red plantain instead of green? My hope is that this reimagining of everyday items allows for an introspective experience, where viewers can find both resonance and surprise.