Chicago-based Povos resorted to hanging only the frames of Isabella Mellado’s large-scale, tarot-inspired paintings. With the works still stuck in customs as of Thursday, Mellado turned the situation into an impromptu performance, repainting their black shadows inside the empty frames throughout the opening day. The result was an interactive and dynamic experience that invited collectors and visitors to engage directly with the process behind her art. “After ten days of struggling with FedEx and customs and infinite delays that didn’t make any sense, we were expecting the delivery of the works the morning of the fair opening. When that again fell through, my gallery partner Winston came up with a smart solution,” Povos owner Lucca Colombelli told Observer. “It all depended on Isabella. Despite all the pressure and disappointment, she did something brave and vulnerable. When I was unsure what to do, it’s good to know your partners, artists and friends have it covered. I’m proud of Isabella and the whole team for pulling this off and for staying calm and focused in such a difficult moment for our gallery.”
