LIKES CHARGE is a body of work first exhibited at Women & Their Work Gallery in Austin, TX, August 2020. In February 2021, LIKES CHARGE traveled to Fort Lewis College Art Gallery in Durango, CO.
Melanie Clemmons’ work addresses the issues of the internet and social media while giving viewers a space for spiritual pause and meditation. Finding inspiration from magic and video game studies, the work in this exhibition touches on the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water to create a ritual space while casting a magic circle for the amplification of spiritual energy and protection. She uses 3D printed healing crystals with smartphones which are metaphysically ‘charged’ by the phones, therefore imbuing the crystals with abilities for safer and healthier digital tech use. Web portals offer viewers online access to these metaphysical havens, and when available for in-person access, gallery visitors become part of the virtual experience via captive webcams.
