The artistic practice of Melissa Van Havere revolves around animals. Through her work, she seeks to question and illuminate the current relationship and dynamics between human and non-human animals. She critiques the various ways our society is mistreating animals; the mass slaughter, consumption and confinement of animals, animal experimentation, etc.
To express her ideas, she uses a range of techniques including painting, sculptures, performances, and installations. Her work can be recognised by the bright use of colors and a playful, naïve style. She primarily works with oil paint on canvas, ceramics and papier-mâché.
The goal of Van Havere’s work is to encourage reflection on our relationship with the animals we share our planet with. She hopes to raise awareness about the absurd and often ‘inhuman’ ways we treat them. By approaching these themes in a lighthearted manner, she aims to plant a seed of empathy, one that inspires change from within. She doesn’t want to create shocking images that push people away, but rather works that invite genuine reflection about what is happening around us. It’s very important to Van Havere to help people recognize animals as individuals with a free will and emotions just like us; that deserve our empathy and respect.
