"Dutch photographer Melissa Schriek delves into the complex relationship between individuals and their environments. In her practice, she investigates how people, particularly women, navigate urban spaces that are often shaped with male-centric design principles in mind. These urban environments are far from neutral: Schriek captures how women actively shape their surroundings, both literally and metaphorically, through their presence and body language. Simultaneously, the meticulously organised city, with its distinct rhythms, exerts its influence on the well-being and prosperity of its inhabitants. These spaces transcend mere physical structures; they are places where social dynamics and inequalities are made visible. In Schriek’s work, the city emerges not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in a continuous interaction with the bodies that move through it."