Melanie Bonajo (*1978, lives in Amsterdam, NL) creates surreal set ups which she then photographs. They have a dreamlike and somtimes outerworldly sensuality. Staubkohler will first show Melanie Bonajo's work in 2006.artist statement.
My ideas are jingles in my head, they come to me. To be able to make a song i have to give stucture to the melodies, like i have to put the thoughts and idea's into matter to be able to impart the information and touch someone like it touched me first. My work is an irregular impulse of experiences and aesthetic enjoyments stemming from the questions I have and the things that I know. I am not interested in a particular truth or a common reality, but I do have to understand and embody my truth, which I find from looking within. Although these things might be universal, consequently, questioning myself leads to the act of questioning you. Nothing should control the spirit. My method of practice, making photographs, is simply a way of recording these thoughts. Primary to this visual diary is the notion of breaking free from everything that holds one down, such as: emotions, patterns, motions and expectation. I attempt to shape awareness by giving expression to the contradictions of contemporary life -with dignity. Re-contextualising and reframing the world through my lens, I attempt to leave a feeling of something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or inexplicable. I create wonder with vengeance about the true nature of things, from my point of view. This outcome – art - must hit someone with its mental and emotional power so you can feel what you see. You can not turn your head away. I believe our language has to be physical in order to touch someone. After any word or image which is a collection of many words hids energy. Holding your gaze upon my photographs is an invitation to play. Confrontation can be liberating but it can also be bizarre. Melancholy and humor are important aspects for me. It might hurt a little, too.
