Melanie Gandyra is an artist who believes that understanding nature is crucial for its protection. Her work, which spans from editorial illustration to room-scale installations, aims to make the natural world impossible to ignore. Gandyra's practice is rooted in ecology, botany, and the natural world, and she has built a reputation for her precise and caring approach to her subjects.
Gandyra's background in crafts and manual skills, combined with her formal education in informative illustration, has shaped her unique perspective. She appreciates her roots and the freedom to explore, which has led to a diverse range of projects. Her work has been featured in renowned publications and institutions, including Die Zeit, Google, Greenpeace, and Patagonia, and has garnered several awards and accolades.
One of Gandyra's key interests is the interface between art and science. She draws inspiration from figures like Fritz Kahn, Ernst Haeckel, and Alexander von Humboldt, who understood the importance of grasping nature with all the senses. Her subjects often feature endangered plant species, weather systems, climate tipping points, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
Gandyra's creative process begins in her sketchbook, where she feels free to sketch and collect ideas quickly. She then moves to a smaller format, which allows her to be more brave and experimental with compositions. Her final pieces are created using a combination of coloured pencils, ink, acrylic, and marker, with a strong emphasis on colour mixing to achieve the desired tones.
Two notable works that showcase Gandyra's approach are 'Kopchaos' and 'Hold Me Tight'. 'Kopchaos' features a figure whose head opens into a landscape, with plants and clouds erupting from the hair. 'Hold Me Tight' showcases an endangered Tyrolean plant series rendered with tenderness, referencing Victorian indoor gardens.
Gandyra's most recent project, 'TRIMMT EUCH', was a room-scale installation that transformed an entire project space into a 'breathing landscape'. This installation brought her a rare sense of creative satisfaction, as she felt a deep connection with her work.
Looking ahead, Gandyra is heading to residencies in Germany and Italy, where she will be researching and working with local farmers on the challenges of gardening in a changing climate. Her ongoing projects and residencies demonstrate her commitment to exploring and understanding the natural world, making it impossible to look away.
