Biography

Melanie Crean is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in New York. Working with video, performance, social engagement and emerging technologies, Crean frequently employs the use of myth and storytelling to investigate contemporary social issues, reimagine cultural archetypes and intervene in civic systems. Drawing stylistically from science fiction, speculative design, documentary and experimental film, Crean explores themes such as the hero, the unruly woman, the nature of justice and the story of America.

Crean often works collaboratively, experimenting with different forms of participatory narrative and worldbuilding, framing the imagination as a political space, and storytelling as a means to access that space. Originally from Waterbury CT, she frequently works with collaborators in formerly industrial cities ranging from the northeast US to the north of England, working to mitigate the post-industrial effects of extractive economies. Crean’s practice investigates how history is recorded and what can be read from evidence left behind in contested sites, that include the historical archive, the built environment, or one's own body.

Crean is an Associate Professor of Art, Media and Technology at Parsons School of Design, teaching courses on emerging media, social engagement and visual culture. She has received commissions from Art in General NY; Artspace New Haven; and FACT Liverpool; fellowships from Creative Capital, Franklin Furnace, and A Blade of Grass; residencies form NYC Public Artist in Residence (PAIR) program; and participated in exhibitions at The New Museum of Art, NY; Southern Exposure, CA; and No Longer Empty, NY. 

Email
creanm [at] newschool [dot] edu