Derick Melander creates clothing sculptures that explore the intersection between global consumerism and the intimate relationship we have with what we wear.

Recent commissions include projects for The Chapman Perelman Foundation, Eileen Fisher, Diesel and Swire Properties, Hong Kong.

Previous
Next

The Making of “A Cloud Reveals the Moon”, 2018

Derick’s most recent works are made from second-hand clothing, sourced from specific locations and populations. He brings these populations together first as collaborators and then again in the clothing used to create the work. In a sense, these works are collective portraits. Derick celebrates and honors both the individual and the community in each work he creates.

The Witness, Travers Park, Queens

A Tribute to the People of New York City

I’m very happy to share a new location and additional details regarding two sculpture installations for the public realm of Jackson Heights, Queens. This new work will be made from wood and thousands of second-hand garments, sourced from the local community during the pandemic.
View
The Witness, Photo Illustration for Diversity Plaza, Queens, NY

The Witness, 2021

A design for a portable clothing sculpture to be installed in public plazas throughout Queens, NY. This piece is made from eight separate units, to allow for multiple configurations.
View
Selvedge Magazine Interview

Piled High – Selvedge Magazine

“In selecting second-hand clothing as his medium for making art, Melander has made a critical decision about how this chosen material conveys the connection of memory to feeling.”
View

Empty Gestures, 2018

This sketch is for a sculpture series. I always feel a twinkle of joy when I see a blank sign or a marker that has lost its meaning. These objects draw our attention, but have nothing to say (like some people I know).
View
Clothing Sculpture, Clothing Devil

Clothing Devil, 2019-21

Working on an idea for a new sculpture. Pictured here, garment silhouettes are traced and cut from thin sheets of copper and distorted to appear as if they are caught in a whirlwind.
View
TAG Projects, Portraits by Morgan-Owens

Alter & Circulate, TAG Projects

From 2002-2007, I was in an arts collective called Tag Projects. We built community, self-produced five exhibitions, sold work, and even got a rave review from Holland Cotter in The New York Times!
View
Clothing Sculpture - A Shirts

“A Shirts” – Garment Design

Here I am wearing my own creation called “A Shirts” made by daisy-chaining 4 dress shirts together at the plackets. I wore this all day at The Callicoon Art Walk in 2019.
View
Clothing Sculpture - Plan for Folding Screen

Folding Screen – Deconstructed Shirt Cuff

You likely do not know this, but in addition to being a sculptor, I am a lover of industrial design. I have many sketches for functional objects, especially designs for furniture. Here is a design for a full-size folding screen. It takes its form from a deconstructed shirt cuff
View
Covid-19 Memorial Design

A COVID-19 Memorial Proposal

The COVID-19 Pandemic is tragic on so many levels. When I learned that those infected and hospitalized were being separated from their loved ones, potentially dying among strangers, I felt a profound sense of grief. And as the pandemic progresses, seeing how it has disproportionally affected communities of color and the immigrant populations of New York City has shed new light on inequality and systemic racism.
View
Float, 2003

Podcast Interview

I’m excited to share my interview with Kate Jetmore of The Listen Podcast. We had a great time talking about getting unstuck and, well, something paranormal happens…
View

Get Quarterly Updates

Information about new work, upcoming shows and commissions.

© Derick Melander, 2020 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy