Rae Melody

We’ve Been Here Before’ explores the remnants of lost civilizations, traces of those who once walked the Earth, now buried beneath layers of time and human impact. Through layered paint, collage, and a process of sanding, scraping, and chiseling, the artist evokes an archaeological excavation—each gesture revealing fragments of history, memory, and identity. The surface becomes a palimpsest, uncovering hidden messages and forgotten truths. The work suggests a recurring cycle, with clues left behind for future generations to rediscover what has been forgotten.

Rae Melody is a contemporary painter who studied surface pattern design and textile printing. An experienced art teacher and artist facilitator, she actively promotes art for wellbeing and self-expression. Her work explores time and memory through layered surfaces, which she scrapes, sands, and chisels back into—resulting in both dark, distressed pieces and vibrant, expressive mixed media works.