At this year's Unseen Amsterdam, Melissa Schriek is being nominated for the prestigious award, the Meijburg Art Commission for her unique and thought-provoking work. Known for her exploration of how women relate to their environments and each other, Schriek's photography captures the essence of female friendship and the spaces women inhabit. Her artistic direction is not just about portraying reality but discovering a world between truth and fiction, making her work both surreal and profoundly human.

A Journey into Photography

Melissa Schriek's passion for photography began during a primary school field trip when her father gave her a disposable camera. She spent the day composing photos, directing classmates in front of carefully selected backgrounds. Noticing her interest, her father later gifted her a small point-and-shoot digital camera, encouraging her to continue capturing her life. Initially, photography was more about making memories than creating art for Schriek. However, the act of taking photographs became an integral part of her life.

Artistic Development

Melissa's entry into the Royal Academy of Art The Hague marked a significant turning point. Her focus shifted from merely portraying reality to exploring the interplay between the sculptural nature of bodies and their environments. Drawing from her past experiences in dance and gymnastics, she reframed her perspective on movement and form, examining how bodies relate to spaces through performative staging in public areas. Despite the dreamy quality of her work, Schriek insists that her photos still depict scenarios that could happen, maintaining a core of human stories.

The Creative Process

Melissa emphasizes the importance of experimentation in her creative process. Whether refreshing her practice with new approaches or honing existing skills, she believes in learning by doing and not fearing failure. This approach allows her to juggle multiple projects, intuitively pursuing those that resonate with her artistic vision. Inspired by photographers like Viviane Sassen and Paul Kooiker and surrealist paintings, Melissa also draws inspiration from everyday life, observing how people move, dress, and interact.

Connecting with the Landscape

Interestingly, Melissa has never felt particularly inspired by the Dutch landscape, which she describes as boring and dull compared to her Australian heritage's wild and dynamic landscapes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to connect with her surroundings, finding inspiration in the flatness and lack of sun. This shift in perspective led her to create works that reflect a newfound appreciation for the familiar Dutch environment.

ODE to Sisterhood

One of Melissa's standout projects is "ODE," a series of photographs celebrating sisterhood and female friendship. Struck by how media often portrays female bonds as toxic or dramatic, Melissa sought to document a different side of friendship, capturing the power and togetherness she has always admired. Photographing best friends in their natural environments, she explores the dynamics of female friendship, offering a more honest and positive representation.

HAMA GALLERY

During the upcoming edition of Unseen Amsterdam (20-22 September) at the Westergasfabriek, the winner of the Meijburg Art Commission 2024 will be announced. With this prestigious award, KPMG Meijburg & Co aims to give photography talent the opportunity to develop new work and present it to a wider audience. During Unseen, the work of the nominees is presented in the Meijburg Lounge. 

Out of an overwhelming number of submissions, and with careful consultation, the shortlist of other nominees for the Meijburg Art Commission includes:

• Anna Fabricius (TOBE Gallery) 

• Klaas Kloosterboer (Ellen de Bruijne Projects) 

• Lee-Ann Olwage (The Bridge Gallery) 

• Gilleam Trapenberg (Galerie Ron Mandos)