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Melissa Moria

socio-social , sculpture , to paint , cooperation , mural , Conceptual , Artistic research , Abstract

I would like you to pause, even if it's just for a moment.

Melissa Moria is a visual artist with a process-based painting practice. Her work explores what happens when control is relinquished, creating space for wonder.

Just as natural processes are shaped by external influences, her paintings develop through an interplay of material, color, perception, and memory. By returning to the basics, the work unfolds in its own life cycle; the result is not predetermined, but develops over time.

Through layered surfaces and visible traces of the creative process, Moria gives shape to experiences that defy words. Her work invites moments of stillness and reflection, demanding attention and sensory engagement rather than interpretation.
Artistic Statement

I'm interested in moments that elude efficiency and clarity. Moments where time slows down and experience precedes explanation. My work offers a way to stay with these moments, without the need to clarify or resolve them.

By returning to the fundamental, the work becomes a space where attention can deepen and uncertainty can remain. It develops gradually, shaped by material, color, observation, and memory. Layers remain visible as traces of previous moments; change is not corrected or concealed, but embraced.

I see my work as a quiet countermovement in a world increasingly driven by speed and certainty. Instead of directing meaning, it creates conditions in which openness, sensitivity, and vulnerable presence can exist. It invites us to pause, observe, and experience, without the pressure to understand or conclude.

Rooted in the South
Rooted in the South - Painting measuring 4,5 meters by 2. Created for Art Rotterdam. In collaboration with De Rotterdamse Munt. Curated by Unity in Diversity
Kinetic Sculpture - IBB Residence Curacao
Kinetisch Sculptuur - Residentie IBB Curacao - During my residency, I was only allowed to work with material from the island. This sculpture originated here. It captures the fleeting moment of the leaves moving through the trees, but also the moment of the mailbag as a dreamcatcher.
Forever trust in who we are
Where wild things bloom - 140 × 200 cm natural pigments & oil paint on unprepared linen This work emerged from a process in which the material gradually began to tell its own story. I washed, boiled, re-washed and treated the raw linen with pigments from avocado pits, aphids, iron and dried flowers. These actions created an organic structure in which the canvas naturally formed an initial composition. This was followed by oil paint strokes: reactions to an image that had settled in me – blossom in full bloom, captured in a moment of stillness. I often unconsciously incorporate details from my surroundings, and they slowly form into images in my head. This is how my work is created: from an interaction between material and experience. Dynamism, layering and a quiet inner strength not only characterize this work, but also my way of looking and making. In my paintings I try to capture what cannot be expressed in words. I work from attention, repetition and an intuitive focus on the process. Every action leaves traces. The layers form the image, but also the trust that has slowly grown — in the material, in the process, and in myself.
Mural Coolsingel
Muurschildering Coolsingel - Melissa Moria x Edge Technologies x Art Publicity. As part of the art competition Show me your Heart, I was asked to create a mural on the Coolsingel. My inspiration for the mural came from the city itself. The green-white-green flag of Rotterdam formed the basis, but I translated these recognizable colors into abstract flowers in my own way. In this way, the work became an ode to the city: the vibrant colors reflect the dynamics of Rotterdam, while the floral elements symbolize the growth and transformation that the city is going through.
Self Portrait - A step into my world
Self Portrait - A step into my world - Self-Portrait 2024 Oil & oil pastel on linen 70 x 60 cm I endeavor to embody the essence of my existence and the world I inhabit. “A step into my world” serves as a poignant reflection on the ever-changing environment we inhabit, where native flowers, symbols of beauty and biodiversity, often fade into obscurity amidst the hustle of daily life. For me, painting is not only a source of freedom but also a profound way to symbolize the values ​​and beliefs I hold dear. I've come to realize the profound impact of art in fostering understanding and connection with our surroundings. It's through art that I've deepened my appreciation for the intrinsic value of native flora, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and nurturing our collective well-being.
Brick by Brick
Brick by Brick - There used to be flowers here - sculptures Title: Brick by Brick Various sizes Material: Cement, Sand, Aluminum mesh, Native Flowers: A6 Fieldflowers, Dog violet - Viola canina, Common pansy - Viola lutea subsp. calaminaria : sachet, Cuckoo flower - Silene flos-cuculi, Common sandwort - Arenaria serpyllifolia In the heart of urbanization lies a silent struggle—a delicate dance between progress and preservation, encapsulated within the confines of concrete and steel. "Brick by Brick" embodies this tension, offering a visual narrative of the relentless march of industrialization and its impact on the natural world. As part of the "There Used to be Flowers Here" exhibition, these sculptures serve as poignant reminders of the profound transformation of our environment. Each structure symbolizes a chapter in the story of urbanization, from the laying of foundations to the towering skyscrapers that dominate our cityscapes. But amidst the relentless march of progress, there is hope. Within the cracks of concrete and the shadows of steel, nature finds a way to thrive. “Brick by Brick” is a testament to resilience—a celebration of the tenacity of life in the face of adversity. This ambitious experiment seeks to unravel the possibilities of fostering, growing, and nurturing native flowers within an urban landscape. By intricately weaving art and nature, the project aspires to reintroduce native flowers into our city's inner circle, fostering biodiversity and contributing to a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Mirror of Agniese
Spiegel van Agniese- From my kitchen window I have been looking at this large bare wall for years. I thought this could be done much better! This is how the project: Agniese's mirror came into being. Mirror of Agniese In the Agniesebuurt, countless different backgrounds come together, forming a unique melting pot and sharing a common bond. But in today's fast-moving and overstimulated world, we sometimes tend to live past each other, forgetting to stop and celebrate the community we are part of. The project 'De Spiegel van Agniese' aims to create an inclusive mural in the Agniesebuurt, Rotterdam. Through a participatory process, in which stories from local residents are collected, a mural is created based on all the backgrounds of the neighborhood. The visual translation into abstract flowers creates attractiveness, not only as an aesthetic enrichment, but also for positive effects on the community. It promotes a cleaner environment, pride, community spirit and social cohesion, thus contributing to a vibrant and sustainable living environment for the Agniesebuurt. Mural Agniese Rotterdam In the heart of Rotterdam lies the Agniesebuurt, a district with a rich history and a strong Rotterdam mentality. As a true working-class neighbourhood, the Agniesebuurt has built and renewed itself time and again, driven by the ethos of hard work and resilience. Here, countless different backgrounds come together, forming a unique melting pot and sharing a common bond. But in today's fast-moving and overstimulated world, we sometimes tend to live past each other, forgetting to stop and celebrate the community we are part of. It is precisely here that we, as residents and supporters, have decided that we want to make a difference. Why (WHY) Why this mural? The Agniesebuurt, despite its unique character and history, has challenges to overcome. We are dealing with clutter and pollution, a lack of meeting places, and sometimes it feels like we have forgotten what really connects us. The Agniesebuurt deserves better, and that is why we have decided to come together and work towards a solution. How (HOW) How do we tackle these problems? We believe that art and creativity have the power to strengthen the community and visually transform the neighborhood. This mural will serve as a visual mirror of our diverse community, celebrating our roots in nature, sustainability, connection, and unity. We also want this mural to work together with the natural environment and the seasons, so that the neighborhood can continue to enjoy a green and aesthetically attractive view. What (WHAT) What will this mural entail? It will be a representation of the Agniesebuurt in all its diversity and glory, a symbol of unity and community. It will embrace the natural beauty of the neighborhood, promote sustainability, and increase residents' pride in their neighborhood. In short, it will be a vibrant, inspiring work of art that reminds us of our shared history and the future we want to build together. Our Dream and Goal (The Dream) Our dream is simple but powerful: we want a neighborhood where people unite, where everyone feels at home and where we work together for a better future. This mural is just the beginning. We want to build a community, organize events, and create initiatives that strengthen and maintain the neighborhood. This project is supported by Havensteder, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Cultuur Concreet and the CBK Rotterdam.
We fall we grow
We fall we grow - 2024 Oil, oil pastel & oil stick on linen 180x140cm "We Fall, We Grow," is a tribute to the flowers that once abundantly bloomed in our Dutch meadows. While some of these flowers have disappeared, this work offers a glimmer of hope by showing that there are ways to bring them back. It symbolizes the resilience of nature and life itself, embracing the process of falling and rising as an intrinsic part of growth and transformation. Just as the flowers from the meadows rise again after the winter, so do we become stronger and wiser through the challenges we face. "We Fall, We Grow" invites the viewer to see the beauty in both the setbacks and triumphs of life.
Hear us roar
Hear us roar - 2024 Oil & oil stick on linen 180 x 140cm "Hear Us Roar" draws inspiration from the vibrant orange Snapdragon flower (snapdragon), scientifically known as "Antirrhinum majus." This native flower is symbolic for its ability to keep secrets, reflecting the idea that there is always more to uncover beneath the surface. In this painting, it's aimed to capture the essence of the Snapdragon's enigmatic nature by creating a visual tapestry that invites exploration from every angle. Each viewpoint offers a unique perspective, revealing hidden layers of meaning and symbolism. "Hear Us Roar" serves as a reminder that beauty lies not only in what is seen at first glance but also in the mysteries waiting to be unveiled. Amidst these mysteries, sometimes, the silence speaks volumes.
What if we fly
What if we fly - 60x80 cm oil on linen
I will shine
I will shine - 130 x 90 cm Oil and oil stick on linen
Brick by Brick
Brick by Brick - There used to be flowers here - sculptures Title: Brick by Brick Various sizes Material: Cement, Sand, Aluminum mesh, Native Flowers: A6 Fieldflowers, Dog violet - Viola canina, Common pansy - Viola lutea subsp. calaminaria : sachet, Cuckoo flower - Silene flos-cuculi, Common sandwort - Arenaria serpyllifolia In the heart of urbanization lies a silent struggle—a delicate dance between progress and preservation, encapsulated within the confines of concrete and steel. "Brick by Brick" embodies this tension, offering a visual narrative of the relentless march of industrialization and its impact on the natural world. As part of the "There Used to be Flowers Here" exhibition, these sculptures serve as poignant reminders of the profound transformation of our environment. Each structure symbolizes a chapter in the story of urbanization, from the laying of foundations to the towering skyscrapers that dominate our cityscapes. But amidst the relentless march of progress, there is hope. Within the cracks of concrete and the shadows of steel, nature finds a way to thrive. “Brick by Brick” is a testament to resilience—a celebration of the tenacity of life in the face of adversity. This ambitious experiment seeks to unravel the possibilities of fostering, growing, and nurturing native flowers within an urban landscape. By intricately weaving art and nature, the project aspires to reintroduce native flowers into our city's inner circle, fostering biodiversity and contributing to a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Jump up
Spring up - 130 x 90 cm oil on linen
Totally Cuckoo
Totally Cuckoo - Oil on linen 130x90 cm Based upon the cuckoo flowers in the field
Hello Virginia - In “Hello Virginia” I invite you to discover the beauty of nature through the lens of my artistic expression. The work, measuring 40x50cm, was created with oil paint and oil stick on linen and was inspired by the majestic Mertensia virginica, better known as Virginia Bluebells. The Virginia Bluebells are known for their characteristic round (oval) gray-green leaves, borne on slender stems that can grow up to 60 cm high. These leaves, up to 13 cm long, are smooth along the edges, petiolate at the bottom of the flower stem and petiolate at the top. The flowers themselves are an enchanting sight, with their nodding groups at the end of the arching stems. The flower buds start out in a soft pink shade and usually open to a serene light blue color, although they can sometimes be pink and rarely white. The flowers have five shallow lobes that merge into a tube at the base, five stamens and a central pistil.
What Coffee does to my brain - My artistic interpretation of coffee's immediate impact on my thoughts and feelings. It represents the explosion of flavor, energy and creativity that I experience with every sip. The warm tones of the painting evoke the comfort of my favorite cup of coffee. While the flowing lines and vibrant brushstrokes capture the movement and excitement of the moment.
Oh my hellfire - Oh My Hellfire – Abstract painting; Oil Paint and Oil Stick on Linen – Melissa Moria Art Be enchanted by 'Oh My Hellfire,' a masterpiece by Melissa Moria. This exciting work of art, measuring 40x50cm, is made with oil paint and oil stick on linen and takes its inspiration from the powerful flower 'Crocosmia Hellfire.' The deep dark red petals, reminiscent of the intense color of a fire extinguisher, are captured in a compelling way in this artistic composition. The work symbolizes the fiery spreading of the petals in the wind, an explosion of color and energy that will transform your space. Experience the passion and depth of 'Oh My Hellfire' in this unique creation.

Colourations DUO Show Galerie Helder

Date:
Location: Galerie Helder Den Haag
In association with: Galerie Helder

Art Rotterdam

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Location: Art Rotterdam - Ahoy
In association with: Unity in Diversity

Nock Nock Artfair

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Location: Kromhouthallen Amsterdam

BIG ART XL Amsterdam

Date:
Location: Slotervaart ziekenhuis

Love Letter - Solo Expositie Melissa Moria

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Location: September Gallery

Love Letter
Solo exhibition by Melissa Moria
May 31 to June 8, 2025 – September Gallery, Rotterdam

With Love Letter, visual artist Melissa Moria presents a new body of work in which she looks back on five years of artistry. In this solo exhibition, she shows paintings and sculptures that emerge from an intuitive and investigative practice in which material, rhythm and personal themes come together.

The title refers to a love letter to the process, to growing, to falling

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/melissamoria/1672119

Rotterdam Art Week - Atelier Kerkstraat & Friends

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Location: Atelier Kerkstraat - Kerkstraat 12a

Group exhibition of Rotterdam artists from the Hillegersberg district

In your face 2.0 - About a Woman

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Location: De Doelen Art Schouwburgplein

IN YOUR FACE 2.0 was a group exhibition with 120 works by various female visual artists from Rotterdam, with the aim of drawing attention to the position and visibility of women in the art field. Various research reports on the position of female artists in the Netherlands show that the visual presence of women in art still lags far behind that of their male colleagues.

https://www.aboutawoman.nl/INYOURFACE_2

BIG ART XL | Slotervaart Amsterdam

Date:
Location: Slotervaart Ziekenhuis

A pop-up platform for XL works of art and enormous design objects from established names and emerging talents. Every year BIG ART settles in a special building in or around Amsterdam where dozens of galleries and artists fill the spaces with a unique mix of monumental paintings and drawings, large sculptures and photos, enchanting light artworks and impressive interactive installations.

https://bigart.nu/pages/services-simple/

Voice of Nature | Group Show | Tree house Amsterdam

Date:
Location: Treehouse NDSM

The exhibition delves into the concept of the rights of nature, paralleling the rights afforded to humans. We seek to challenge conventional perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of our relationship with the natural world.

https://www.treehousendsm.com

There Used To Be Flowers Here | solo show | Nio House Rotterdam

Date:
Location: Nio House Rotterdam, Meent 80
In association with: Art Publicity

Exhibition "There Used to Be Flowers Here" shows work by Melissa Moria
And makes you think about lost flowers from the Rotterdam landscape

This exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of the intriguing relationship between humans, nature and urbanization, and invites the public to reflect on the role of native flora in our contemporary society. The exhibition is on view until September 9, 2024.

Spotlight Rotterdams Talent | Kunstuitleen Rotterdam

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Location: Goudsesingel 268, 3011 KG Rotterdam
In association with: Kunstuitleen Rotterdam

Rotterdam Art Week | Het kunstenaarsbal

Date:
Location: Princes Theater

The Artists' Ball is a unique multidisciplinary event full of visual arts, photography, performance, theater, audiovisual art and music.

The Artists' Ball represents a festive gathering where people can dance. By creating an accessible, informal atmosphere, it is much easier for artists and visitors to come into contact with each other and get to know each other better.

https://www.uitagendarotterdam.nl/agenda/het-kunstenaarsbal/

EXPO12 Containereiland

Date:
Location: Stenenhoofd
In association with: Oplucht Atelier

Openlucht Atelier Amsterdam is a pop-up location on the Stenen Hoofd. In addition to the beautiful view, the latest exhibitions of various Amsterdam and Rotterdam artists can be seen here in December, who are given complete freedom to exhibit on the terrace.

https://www.instagram.com/openlucht.atelier/

ARTE | 22 Sentidos

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Location: Espacio Creativo Hoyo Manzanares

Exquisite | Contemporary Art Exhibition

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Location: Calle de las Hileras 6
In association with: Van Gogh Art Gallery

International Group Exhibition

Interionational Contemporary Art Fair Monaco

Date:
Location: 5 Avenue des Ligures
In association with: Van Gogh Art Gallery

Kunst- en Atelierroute | Kunstkring Albrandswaard

Date:
Location: Albrandswaard
In association with: Kunstkring Albrandswaard

Annual studio route of the Kunstkring Albrandswaard, where I was allowed to exhibit as a guest exhibitor at Marjan Warnaar-Schop.

Solo exhibition - La Bru Rotterdam

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Location: La Bru Rotterdam Hartmansstraat 18A

Bare Minimial

Date:
Location: Rotterdam
In association with: Charlotte van der Gaag

A collaboration between the arts that zooms in on the human body. Where the purity is abstractly translated into a diptych of photography and visual art.

https://melissamoria.com/bare-minimal/
This artist has no awards yet.