About and contact — Melissa Mahon PhD

Much of what I do explores photography. Working within an expanded field, my research-led practice uses both analogue and digital to make photographs which unpick construct and codes used within contemporary art practice.

My work explores the midground between ‘the camera never lies’ (Cesar Romero, 1950) and ‘people still like to be lied to’ (Amalia Ulman, 2020). I am interested that a photograph is an assumed shorthand of what was or is ‘real’. I also make sculptures and videos which draw the viewers’ attention to the act of looking and interpretation.

My recent PhD investigated what is read within a photograph. The study resulted in a body of work which examined the codes and ideas of what is understood as ‘real’ within the photograph.

I have exhibited in the UK, Ireland and Brazil, and done residencies, a public commission and won the Student Prize at the Royal Academy. I am Irish, with my home and studio in Bath.

Currently, my work is concerned to find an appropriate definition for the contemporary photograph, considering its synthesis of digital and analogue practices.

My most recent work is usually on Instagram @melissamahonart.

Please contact me to discuss more.