University of the Ozarks art student Alexandra Melgar will present her senior art exhibit, “Egos de la Identidad/Echoes of Identity,” from April 29 through May 3 in the Stephens Gallery on campus.
There will be a reception to meet the artist from 6-7 p.m. on May 3, in the gallery.
Melgar is a business administration and art major from Panama. Born and raised in in the Central American country, Melgar said her artistic practice is deeply rooted in her experiences in the rich cultural heritage of her homeland.
“My art celebrates the vibrant traditions, objects, and moments that define my personal and cultural narrative,” she said. “It reflects my journey, identity, and the stories that have shaped me. My work is a manifestation of my exploration of culture, memory, and the emotional resonance of everyday life, serving as an homage to where I come from.”
Melgar primarily works in black pen drawings and acrylic paintings.
“The black pen drawings purposely simplify forms, emphasizing texture and intricate linework while still offering enough visual description to convey deep emotion,” Melgar said. “In contrast, my acrylic paintings are stylized with a blotchy, textured application, referencing the colorful festivals and lively experiences of Panama. Influenced by the vivid designs of molas and the vibrant hues of traditional polleras, my color choices celebrate the rich cultural heritage that informs my memory and imagination. Though rooted in my personal past, these works are designed to create immediate and universal connections for viewers.”
She said her artistic process is deeply tied to memory — “deliberately hazy and less precise, focusing not on exact detail but on the feeling of the moment.”
“This intentional blurring invites the viewer to engage emotionally, emphasizing the atmosphere and nostalgia rather than a literal depiction. Figures, landscapes, and everyday objects in my work become conduits for storytelling, revealing the intimate yet universal nature of human experience. Through symbols, color palettes, and detailed yet interpretive imagery, I explore identity, nostalgia, and cultural heritage. My compositions often balance realism and abstraction, offering both familiar and interpretative entry points into each piece.”
Melgar said that “ultimately, my work invites dialogue about heritage, personal history, and the shared moments that shape us. Each piece serves as a bridge for reflection, honoring the beauty found in both the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life.”
Melgar said during her time at Ozarks, she has developed a passion for visual storytelling. She exhibited her work in multiple venues, including the 2024 and 2025 Collegiate Art Competition at the River Valley Arts Center and the A.R.C.H. Symposium at Ozarks. She received first place awards in both exhibitions with her piece “Shifting Perspectives.”
Topics: Art