In the coming months, the work of visual artist Melanie Calis will be on view both online and in our atelier in Dalfsen. Her paintings are quiet explorations of human connection, emotion, and the space in between.

With layered compositions and earthy tones, Melanie captures both the tenderness and the rawness of being together. Her work speaks of closeness, bodies drawn to one another, hands reaching out, an embrace.

Based in Amsterdam, Melanie (35) explores what lies beneath the surface: unspoken tension, moments of true encounter, and the universal longing to be seen and understood. Each piece is an ode to the space between people, a place where we’re invited to pause, to feel, and to show ourselves.