The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is proud to announce Melissa Hewitt as the recipient of the Liu Shiming Scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recognizing her exceptional talent and commitment to visual arts.
Courtesy Melissa Hewiit
Melissa Hewitt, an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has garnered attention for her evocative oil paintings which delve into the dreamlike surrealism embedded in her creative psyche. Her academic and artistic pursuits, underscored by accolades such as the Faulkner Sophomore Award, have been significantly enriched by the Liu Shiming Scholarship, facilitating a deeper exploration into the myriad mediums of visual expression.
In her statement, Hewitt expressed gratitude towards the Foundation, "Receiving the Liu Shiming Scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden but profoundly enriches my academic and artistic exploration, allowing me deeper immersion into my projects."
“Dream 3: Run Home Quick”, 2024. Oil on Panel, 32”x25”. Courtesy the artist
“Dream 4: She Knows”, 2024. Oil on Canvas, 24”x24”. Courtesy the artist
Melissa Hewitt’s latest series features a captivating array of paintings inspired by her own surrealistic dreams. This series, as Hewitt explains, goes beyond personal challenge—it aims to capture the elusive scenes of her subconscious. These works showcase her ongoing commitment to push artistic boundaries and redefine what is possible in the visual arts.
The Liu Shiming Scholarship, named after the revered artist, known for his empathetic sculptures, supports artists who infuse their work with a strong sense of community and human connection. Hewitt’s focus on the interplay between dream imagery and reality continues this tradition, urging viewers to see the ordinary through a uniquely transformative lens.
As she continues her studies, Melissa Hewitt is poised to significantly impact the visual arts community, blending narrative depth with technical prowess. Her work not only honors Liu Shiming’s legacy but also propels it into contemporary dialogues about art and human experience.
Written by Chirui Cheng
Photo credits to: Melissa Hewitt