CURAtorial portfolio

Lafi Melo's artistic career began working in art spaces like Art House in Jersey City and LIPS Newark.

In 2016, they curated the first live Music and Arts night for the North Bergen Pool. After sending a proposal to Nyssa Frank, the Founder of The Living Gallery, they organized 'Pa Nosotros' a Three day multi medium exhibit in 2019. Each night featured live  performers, photographers, painters, sculptors, personal film viewing stations, and light projections by Rita Jiménez . Most recently, they were asked to design their 2022 Pride can for The Bronx Brewery to benefit LGBTQ+ Health Clinic, Callen-Lorde. For the release event, artists are given free reign to imagine their perfect night to celebrate the launch of the final product.

Habibx release event featured Yalla! Party Project and two of YPP's favorite DJs, Mariposucia and Mx. Medusa. Callen-Lorde was also present, providing information about their services as well as contraceptives, hand sanitizer, and stickers. Lafi worked with New York food truck, Empanology to create a custom vegan empanada for the event. 'The Ridikkuluz' named after the Artist and Dancer featured on the can, is packed with oyster mushroom, Palestinian spices, and South American inspired sofrito. The hot sauce is made with spices and cooked out with Habibx Beer to add some heat and smoked honey sweetness. The empanada will be featured seasonally on their vegan menu and Habibx Beer is available online at thebronxbrewery.com and participating Wegmans, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods.

Throughout each curated event, Lafi Melo prioritizes shifting the spotlight to a wide range of budding artists, performers, and lived experiences.