What do we see when a body becomes a canvas?
When movement carves space and paint becomes skin? 
 
Pole Animals invites you into a world where reality meets myth and where animal shapes emerge from human strength. Where disciplines often seen as secondary reveal their power as forms of art and expression. These figures appear almost mythical: half-animal, half-human, caught in a moment of suspension. Only the pole, the one tangible element, reminds us this is no dream. Each pose is rooted in a specific technique named after an animal chosen for the movement it reflects. Some show power, others extreme flexibility or playfulness. These beings are not costumes, but living bodies, captured in a floating state of stillness. Painted into presence, captured in mid-transformation. They exist only for a moment, to tell a story that goes far beyond the frame.
 
Shaped through a collaboration with talented pole dancers, body paint artist Sarie Verheughe and a close circle of creative spirits, Pole Animals was born from the imagination of visual artist Sarina Mannaert. Through this project, she fuses make-up, body paint, pole dance, and photography into one fluid artistic language: one that speaks to who we are, who we dare to be, and how we define beauty. Even though body paint and pole dance have found visibility in popular culture, through artists like Lady Gaga, FKA Twigs, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and many others in music videos, festivals and underground scenes, both disciplines remain underrepresented in institutional art spaces.
By bringing attention to the diversity within the pole and body painting communities and celebrating these art forms, Sarina seeks to expand this narrative. In her enchanting realm, she invites us to rethink how we view pole dancing and body painting by breaking down stigmas and letting us rediscover the artistry and dedication they represent.