I paint large-scale poolside scenes where girls and women take centre stage - reclaiming space, celebrating connection, and quietly asserting their place in a world historically shaped by men.
Artist’s Bio
Meli Axford, born in Brisbane in 1969, is a passionate and thought-provoking oil painter whose work addresses the deep-seated gender biases that shape our world. Her art is a call to challenge the harmful narratives that can make daughters feel less valued than sons from the moment they are born.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of her home overlooking the hinterland, Meli paints vivid and heartfelt scenes of her daughters, Lily and Mia, as they embrace life with strength and spirit.
Through her art, she sheds light on the subtle and overt messages of inequality that permeate society, offering a compelling counter-narrative that celebrates the undeniable brilliance and resilience of girls.
Meli’s work has been showcased in New York and across Australia, earning her recognition as a finalist in the Wollumbin Art Award (2024, 2022), the Sunshine Coast Art Prize (2022), and the Byron Art Prize (2020, 2021, 2022).