Photographer Nick Mele is displaying his latest collection, titled 'Please, No Photos,' in a temporary installation at 317 Peruvian Avenue in Palm Beach. The exhibit features irreverent images of life inside a Palm Beach mansion, including hidden faces of friends and family alongside alligators. Designed by interior decorator Caroline Rafferty, the space doubles as an interactive showroom with furnishings from Society Social.
Photographer Nick Mele's exhibit 'Please, No Photos' opened in Palm Beach, offering a cheeky glimpse into private mansion life. On view by appointment through the end of April, the installation is located in a storefront space leased by interior designer Caroline Rafferty at 317 Peruvian Avenue, below her upstairs studio and office.
Mele, who grew up spending winters in Palm Beach and previously lived there with his family before moving to West Palm Beach, described the series as his return to photographing the area after work elsewhere. 'I've been working on the “Please, No Photos” series for the last year,' Mele said. 'It’s kind of my return to photographing Palm Beach... I was looking for the perfect place to exhibit it.'
The photographs capture playful scenes with Mele's friends and family, their faces often obscured for anonymity and to allow viewers to imagine themselves in the settings. Alligators appear in the dining room and foyer, while cockatoos pose as smoking companions. 'They are real people, not necessarily models, that I feel comfortable with... I want (the photos) to feel very authentic,' Mele explained. Regarding the alligators, he added, 'I don’t know if I’d want to own one, but they are very Florida and I think they make for a great photo.'
Rafferty collaborated with Mele, Society Social, and Brunschwig & Fils to design the space, aiming to mirror the layered, traditional interiors in Mele's images. 'Nick’s photos are really layered. They take place in classically beautiful, traditional gardens and interiors, and they are really fun,' Rafferty said. The exhibit incorporates maximalist printed fabrics, wall coverings, and furniture like the Checkmate Game Table with hidden mahjong storage, Rook Swivels, and Pawn Wicker Stools.
Mele's work has appeared in Town & Country, Vogue, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times. His 2023 book, 'Palm Beach Living,' was published by Vendome Press. The space is interactive, inviting visitors to play games at tables and puzzles, echoing Mele's 'Game Night' series. In mid-February, Mele hosted a public event with artist Donald Robertson titled 'Live Paint with Donald and Hang with Nick,' followed by a reception for sales.
Appointments can be made by emailing info@nickmelefineart.com.