This Makes Perfect Sense to Me

This Makes Perfect Sense to Me
Melissa Schriek
30 Aug – 3 Nov 2024

Hama Gallery is proud to present This Makes Perfect Sense to Me, the debut solo exhibition of artist Melissa Schriek in the Netherlands. Through her latest work, Melissa continues to delve into the dynamics of female identity, relationships, and self-expression. Drawing inspiration from her ongoing exploration of the female form and her interaction with the surrounding environment, Melissa’s work captures the essence of womanhood in its myriad forms. 

Melissa’s fascination for women and their stories has played a big part in her photographic journey. From her early years to the present, she has remained steadfast in her dedication to portraying the complexities of female experience. In her own words, “I photograph mostly women for my personal work. There are so many interesting things to be said about being a woman.” Melissa captures moments of intimacy and connection, highlighting the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding. Her background as a dancer is reflected in the images she captures with her camera. Initially sparked by a disposable camera given to her by her father, Melissa’s interest in the medium blossomed into a passion that led her to pursue an education at the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague.

Experimentation is the basis of Melissa’s process, as she continuously pushes the boundaries of her practice and embraces new techniques and the opportunity to fail and learn. Her residency in 2023 in the garden of Hama Gallery allowed her to explore the fusion of photography and painting, adding layers of texture and meaning to her images. “Painting over my images has become very important. It feels like discovering hidden stories within my existing work.” This discovery allows Melissa to breathe new life into archived photos, now focusing on shapes, lines and textures.

The Japan series -a focal point of this exhibition- reflects Melissa’s fascination with the expressive potential of the female form. Through collaborating with women in Japan, she captured moments of liberation and empowerment, challenging norms and perceptions. By giving them a platform in front of her camera, she hoped to foster a sense of agency and self-expression in a public space.

This Makes Perfect Sense to Me offers a glimpse into Melissa Schriek’s unique perspective on the world, inviting viewers to question the boundaries between photography and painting and the subjective nature of perception. Everyday objects and interactions serve as a departure for her creative exploration, prompting a reconsideration of the significance of the seemingly ordinary. Through her lens, she challenges preconceived notions and finds beauty in imperfection, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience.