An Italian photographer said: 'I don't have a sister, maybe that's why I'm looking for her in every woman'. I felt that
The June issue usually gives way to a new 20-something list, featuring models, musicians, actors, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers, artists, architects,... and so much more. The people who are a representation of young society in Belgium, a generation ready to rule our world. In 2020, hence the double number, we’re serving you, hungry hearts, 2 editions of our acclaimed list. That’s right, we’re doubling the number of features, starting a bit earlier. Let us introduce you to the faces you didn't realise you wanted to meet!
Mélanie Musisi
Photographer, Brussels
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
I’m as much passionate about cooking incredible food daily as I am by photography. If not even more.
What is the (near) future bringing you?
Focusing on my photographic practice and making a lot of handmade prints in the darkroom.
What are you up to these days?
Listening to live sessions and discovering new jewellery artists.
Which records are you playing most right now?
Signz by O.B.F., Divine by Barrington Levy. I’m also obsessed by the debut EP of Crystal Murray called I was wrong. A neo-soul/R’n’B/electro gem.
I have to believe in myself first to feel legitimate
What makes your heart go faster these days?
On a positive side: talking to my mum on the phone or mastering a dish I’ve never tried before.
On a negative note: racism, seeing all this police brutality that took all those black lives scrolling on the internet. 1312 over and over.
What are you doing daily at 9 pm/9 am?
At 9 am I’m either preparing a green smoothie or a mix of hot water, matcha, coconut oil and cinnamon. At 9 pm I’m usually scanning films.
What satisfies you?
Feeling that somebody felt more confident and beautiful through my lens.
What’s your favourite lockdown Instagram account?
@monicagreatgal, she’s a Dominican descent/New York painter. She’s trying to be very honest about how she feels, and I love how she portrays brown girls in a domestic environment, exploring the concept of spaces in her paintings.
What’s your favourite lockdown film?
Not a movie but I’ve been travelling by proxy to New Caledonia by rewatching the first seasons of my favourite teenage drama show Foudre. I want to go there so bad.
What’s one of your sources of inspiration that may surprise people?
Renell Medrano is my g.o.a.t. inspiration regarding black people shooting black people portraits with so much love and respect.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
I’m starting a project based on the idea of sisterhood. It’s a relationship that has always interested me. Maria Clara Macrì, an Italian photographer said: ‘I don’t have a sister, maybe that’s why I’m looking for her in every woman’. I felt that.
Did you have an exhibition/concert/show on your agenda these days? Which one?
I was supposed to take part in a collective exhibition about street harassment in Brussels in May but it’s postponed to October.
That mental health is as fragile as the physical one
What will the second part of 2020 bring you?
I want to be more confident. I don’t want to feel dissociated anymore when people tell me that they love my work. I have to believe in myself first to feel legitimate.
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
With hindsight, I would say my inner child. I try to make her comfortable and proud in my daily life. My first and probably the only tattoo is about her.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
That mental health is as fragile as the physical one.
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