Melvin Nesbitt Jr.’s vibrant collages blend memory, imagination, and social commentary to celebrate Black childhood and community. Using painted paper, fabric, recycled materials, and charcoal, he builds layered scenes that draw from his upbringing in Spartanburg, South Carolina during the late 1970s and early ’80s.Rooted in joy and nostalgia, Nesbitt’s work captures the innocence of youth within low-income public housing communities, offering a counter-narrative to how these stories are often portrayed. His use of bold color and dynamic figures evokes the feel of cherished picture books—yet beneath the surface, his art explores deeper themes of race, poverty, and belonging.At the heart of his work is a powerful metaphor: paper. Often discarded, yet essential—much like the Black American experience—it symbolizes both the resilience and the undervalued contributions of Black communities in shaping American life.Through collage, Nesbitt weaves together personal history and collective memory, inviting us to reflect, connect, and see beauty in what’s often overlooked.

​