Aina Melis (b. Mallorca, Spain) is a visual artist based in Turku, Finland. Her practice explores balance, perception, and time through repetition, structure, and gradual transformation.

At the core of her work is the gradient, understood not only as a visual device but as a way of approaching change. Rather than abrupt shifts, her surfaces move slowly from one tone to another, allowing transformation to unfold in measured steps. These transitions create spaces where difference is experienced through accumulation, reflecting a sensitivity to subtle variation.

Drawing, especially with graphite, plays a central role in her process. Through steady, repeated marks, she builds tonal fields and textures that emphasize rhythm and tactility. Each line records time and attention, turning the act of drawing into a sustained and focused construction.

Parallel lines are among the most significant elements of her visual language. Repeated sequences create a sense of movement similar to breathing or walking. Over time, these lines form structures that resemble architectural spaces — walls, staircases, corridors — revealing the influence of construction and built environments in her compositions. Layer by layer, repetition generates solidity and presence.

Circles and modular forms often accompany these linear systems, reinforcing ideas of continuity and proportion. Balance in her work is achieved not through strict symmetry, but through measured relationships between elements.

Working across drawing, linocut, and collage, Aina maintains a strong focus on process. While her visual vocabulary connects to geometric abstraction and architectural thinking, the visible trace of the hand introduces warmth and subtle imperfection. Within structure, change remains possible; within repetition, variation persists.

Education:

Universitat Central de Barcelona (UB). Fine Arts Studies.
Arts pedagogy certificate. University of Barcelona.
Master in cultural heritage. University of Barcelona.

Exhibitions:

Toisto, Toinen Silma Gallery, Helsinki - 2025
Interaction, Raision Museo Harkko, Raisio, Finland - 2025
The big picture, Space81, Turku, Finland - 2024 (with ALaine)
Feminine Abstraction, Maza Art, Madrid - 2024
Impossible architectures, Tila, Turku, Finland -2023 (with ALaine)
Pop Up Art Gallery, Turku HUB, Turku, Finland -2022
Pop Up Art Gallery, Night of the arts, Forum Kortteli, Turku, Finland -2020
Temperatura ambient, Can Fabra, Sant Andreu, Barcelona, Spain -2007
CMYK: Un proyecto de exposiciones latentes, Sala Can Felipa, Barcelona, Spain -2006
Premis Art Jove, Sala ses Voltes, Palma de Mallorca, Spain -2006

Collaborations:

Collection of hand printed block prints for The Conran Shop in London, Paris and Japan - 2020, 2021, 2022

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