Melon is a Chicago-born artist whose work is deeply rooted in graffiti and community. Raised in Humboldt Park, he became involved in gang life at a young age, and graffiti became the outlet that helped redirect his path. Painting rooftops and streets while exploring the city pushed him beyond the limits of his neighborhood and opened up a wider world of creativity. After experiencing violence around him and finding himself in trouble with the law from gang and graffiti activity, he chose to change course and joined the US Navy in 2001. Stationed in Hawai‘i, he continued developing his style within the islands’ urban art scene. Today his murals can be found in Hawai‘i, Chicago, Japan, and beyond. Melon has worked with organizations such as Worldwide Walls and We Are Wet Paint and is the co-founder of Gangway Gallery and art supply shop in Honolulu, where he continues to support and grow the local graffiti and art community.
