Eva. Hate Me, Love Me.

From October 16 to 20, Melkweg Expo will be immersed in the world of Eva through the work of photographer Eva Meylink. In Eva. Hate Me, Love Me, Meylink presents an intimate portrait of 22-year-old Eva from Rotterdam, whom she first met in 2019 while photographing a group of gabbers. Eva stood out for her boldness, vulnerability, and unapologetic honesty. Over time, Meylink captured Eva’s journey as she navigated life, searching for her own path.

Eva’s story unfolds through Meylink’s lens with deep trust and authenticity, offering a glimpse into her challenges and triumphs. As Eva says: "I’m gradually moving from Hate Me to Love Me. I no longer care so much about what others think of me. I am who I am. I don’t want to make it more than that, because it’s enough."

This sentiment of self-acceptance is also a recurring theme in the hardcore scene, where Eva, like many other young people, finds a place where she can truly be herself. Eva explains: "The hardcore scene is very close-knit. When you’re at a party like that, it’s not every person for themselves, but everyone together. You’re all there, happy to be listening to the same music, and no one cares about how the other looks or how you look. You just accept each other."

Eva is not only featured in this exhibition, but she also shines on the poster for the performance Gabbers Waren We, which can also be seen during ADE at De La Mar Theater. The performance is an immersive experience that celebrates the iconic '90s Dutch subculture.