MELISSA AGATE : ARTIST CV

Melissa Agate is a contemporary artist attentive to place whose work emerges from a close and sustained observation of the natural and built environment. Working across sound and photography, her photographic work explores the intersection of landscape and human presence, responding to desert environments, geological formations, and the character of rural and outback towns. Shooting primarily in medium format film, her photographs often detail traces of human habitation – from temporary structures to domestic architecture. 

In addition to her photographic practice she is a multidisciplinary musician performing as sanso-xtro, known for her experimental electroacoustic compositions. While photography and music remain distinct practices, they occasionally intersect within her artistic output.

Agate has lived and worked in Australia, London and the USA. She recently returned to live on Kaurna Country, South Australia, where she was born.

EXHIBITIONS (PHOTOGRAPHY)

Upcoming 2026 [ 8 August – 19 September ] - Sauerbier House. Port Noarlunga SA. Australia

2025 - SALA Group Show. Maslin Beach Community Hall. Maslin Beach SA. Australia

2023 - “BILGE” Group Show. The Packing Shed, Harts Mill. Port Adelaide SA. Australia

2021 - SALA “CUT” Group Show. The Packing Shed, Harts Mill. Port Adelaide SA. Australia

2016 - “Vortex¡” OPO Gallery, Gallup NM. USA

2016 - Group show. Graft Gallery, Albuquerque NM. USA

2015 - "Feels" Group photography show. The Mill Gallery, Adelaide SA. Australia

GRANTS (MUSICIAN)

2014 - ArtsSA Independent Makers & Presenters professional Development Grant

2010 - ArtsSA Independent Makers & Presenters Last Minute Presentation Grant