Melissa Joseph Wins the UOVO Prize
Melissa Joseph, an artist based in Brooklyn; has won the Brooklyn Museum’s coveted UOVO Prize. She is known for her felting techniques in creating intimate portraits. The award includes a solo exhibition at the museum, a commission for a large public mural, and an unrestricted cash grant of $25,000. She is the fifth artist to receive the prize. Joseph’s art has been showcased in several prestigious exhibitions and fairs including, Margot Samel, New York; Liste Art Fair Basel; and Art Basel Miami Beach.
What is the UOVO Prize?
The UOVO Prize, backed by UOVO—a company focused on storing valuable collectables—aims to highlight the work of artists from Brooklyn. Past recipients include John Edmonds (2019), Baseera Khan (2021), filmmaker Oscar Yi Hou (2022), and Suneil Sanzgiri (2023).
Melissa Joseph was chosen by a panel of curators from the Brooklyn Museum, from among the artists featured in “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” – a significant group show celebrating the museum’s 200th anniversary. Her display, on view until January 26, 2025, is titled ‘Olive’s Hair Salon (2023).’ It depicts a felt portrait of her brother and young niece. Last year, the Brooklyn Museum acquired her artwork ‘Getting Reuben’s Tuition Book’ (2023).
Melissa Joseph’s Art Style
Joseph’s artistry encompasses various mediums, such as drawing, ceramics, painting, and fibre art. She is celebrated for her richly coloured portraits made from wool and felt. Her artwork ranges from small-scale to monumental, depicting domestic settings and everyday moments that emphasize the significance of human connections.
Melissa Joseph’s Public Mural
Melissa Joseph is set to create a mural measuring 50×50 ft on UOVO’s facility exterior, located in Bushwick, Brooklyn She will also present an installation at the Brooklyn Museum’s Iris Cantor Plaza. Both of these works will inspired by the designs of Siena Cathedral, Italy. They are expected to be unveiled in June 2025.
Joseph speaks about her inspiration, “For this project, I chose to reference the incredible floors of the Siena Cathedral and to think about the way public art has functioned throughout history. While the process and purpose of creating public art have both expanded and accelerated, the potential for profound human connection remains, and that is what most excites and inspires me about this project.”
She adds, “I am thrilled to be awarded the UOVO Prize. I deeply thank UOVO and the Brooklyn Museum for this opportunity.”
Kimberli Grant on the 2025 UOVO Prize Winner
Kimberli Gant, Brooklyn Museum’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, expresses her elation, “We are delighted to present the UOVO Prize to Melissa Joseph, whose work explores themes of memory, familial history, and the politics of how people occupy spaces. As her art addresses public spaces and the environment, it is fitting to present it in two major public locations in Brooklyn. Moreover, it makes Joseph an ideal artist for this opportunity. We’re looking forward to supporting Joseph’s vision for the UOVO mural and sharing her work with our audiences.”
Steven Guttman on Melissa Joseph’s Win
Steven Guttman, UOVO Founder and Co-chairman expressed his support for Joseph and represented artists, “We are pleased to continue our support of Brooklyn artists and the Brooklyn Museum. Artists are at the heart of our community, so it will be wonderful to make Melissa Joseph’s work accessible through two outdoor presentations in dialogue across the borough, from Bushwick to Prospect Heights.”
Image Courtesy – Puck News
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