MELISSA NICKERSON
WOMB OF WASTE
From the series: Buy Now: Pay Later.
Womb of Waste explores the disturbing intersection of life and synthetic decay, where microplastics infiltrate even the most sacred spaces of nourishment.
I’m drawn to create art that deals with social and environmental issues, that challenge the viewer, and calls forth a discussion. I want the viewer, upon deeper reflection on the image, to be confronted by the invisible yet pervasive pollution shaping our present and future.
By juxtaposing the innocence of maternal care with the insidious presence of plastic, the image, I hope, reveals humanity’s fragile bond with the environment. It is both a lament and a call to action, urging us to reconsider the materials we cradle and consume. Womb of Waste offers a point of reflection on what it means to nurture life in an age of toxicity.
ARTIST FOLIO AND BIO
ABOUT MELISSA
Raised in the forests of the Pacific Northwest with her dad's 35mm film camera always in hand, being on the hunt for stories and adventures was a life Melissa lived and breathed. Years later, an ocean away, nothing much has changed. This passion has shaped her career as an award-winning photographer and filmmaker. With over 10 years of experience in New Zealand's dynamic commercial advertising and branding sector, Melissa has had the honor of collaborating with top brands and industry legends to tell unique and compelling stories in both stills and motion.
Specializing in promotional imagery, her work has been featured in Emmy Award-winning shows like Rurangi and other notable productions such as Kid Sister and Creamerie. Her academic background in cultural anthropology, film production, and fine arts photography informs her storytelling as she focuses on bringing socially relevant and impactful messages to life.
Bringing all this into the world of advertisement has allowed for what Melissa feels is a unique perspective in curating dynamic and emotive imagery that helps showcase to the world who and what a brand is.
Melissa thrives on challenges, constantly pushing creative boundaries to capture the essence of the human spirit and the diverse perspectives of her clients. Whether she's scaling mountains or diving into new projects, her passion for storytelling and innovation remains at the heart of her work.
Melissa is represented by The Collective Force