Born in Baghdad, Iraq 1996. Lives and works on Kaurna Country (South Australia).
Melak Khaleel is a political and visual artist whose work explores our connection with art through a blend of public performance and installations, along with contemporary art practices. With a focus on deconstructing colonial and capitalist systems, Melak's work explores cultural and personal identity through an intersectional feminist lens. Influenced by her Muslim, Kurdish and Arab cultures, she weaves traditional motifs, social commentary, and an array of media to expand the boundaries of her creations. Each piece is a testament to Melak's commitment to shedding light on the intricacies of culture, religion, politics, and identity. Her artwork challenges viewers to reexamine their biases and embrace the complexity of the human experience, especially for immigrants, political refugees, and marginalised folks. With an unwavering dedication to art, education and social justice, Melak aims to utilise her craft to cement the stories of resilience from her communities and create visuals for empowerment. This is done by working with local community groups and councils to create programs to meet the needs of residents in underfunded areas. Her work aims to create much-needed connections and support networks from a grassroots framework.