Melvin Edwards

Melvin Edwards began his studies in painting at the University of Southern California before switching his focus to sculpture. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965, moved to New York City in 1967, and began teaching at Rutgers University in 1972, where he was on faculty until 2002.

Edwards is best known for his Lynch Fragment series, a body of wall sculptures of everyday metal objects—tools, chains, gears, and blades—forged together in abstract forms. The sculptures recall the legacy of slavery and racial violence in American history. The artist has also experimented with print work and large outdoor sculpture commissioned by public and private institutions.