A character with black braids, attired in a sophisticated black suit and wearing a face mask, glances over their shoulder toward a window framing a landscape of catastrophic turmoil. The landscape features thick, volcano-like black smoke, setting a dramatic tone.

Silvia MartesOngoing research

Film still Silvia Martes, The Revolutions That Did (Not) Happen (2021)

The Amsterdam-based artist Silvia Martes has produced several experimental short films that often draw from the science fiction genre. Her films usually originate from personal experiences or are inspired by collective human behaviour, yet they intentionally create a sense of detachment from the real world.

Martes was an artist-in-residence at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten (2019 – 2021). In 2021 she was shortlisted for Prix de Rome and in the same year she became the recipient of the Theodora Niemeijer Prize. Her work has been the focus of solo exhibitions at Museum De Pont, Tilburg (2021) and the Van Abbe Museum, Eindhoven (2022) and the Edith Russ House for Media Art, Oldenburg (2023). Martes also participated in group exhibitions in various institutions such as the Kunsthal Extra City, Antwerp (2022), Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (2021), and EYE Filmmuseum, Amsterdam (2020).

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Ongoing research

In a grey setting, a Black woman, wearing a loose grey tuxedo, raises her hands in front of her face while an alien figure emerges stealthily from behind. The caption reads 'Demons with their eyelashes dripping blood’
Two women in light pink attire enjoying a meal, their gaze directed downward, within a softly illuminated room with walls and furnitures in shades of light pink.
A character with black braids, attired in a sophisticated black suit and wearing a face mask, glances over their shoulder toward a window framing a landscape of catastrophic turmoil. The landscape features thick, volcano-like black smoke, setting a dramatic tone.
Film still Silvia Martes, To Confirm That You Are Not a Robot, Place a Check in the Box Next to “I’m Not a Robot” (2021)NaN/3

Silvia Martes has been selected by the Commissioning Committee 2021/23 to follow an extensive educational and research journey, aimed at establishing the foundation for a new work. For 1.5 year, the artist will follow a NYU online course in Writing Great Characters for Film and TV, participate in a residency programme at the Delfina Foundation, meet with experts from the field and further her education at the Prague Film School. During this dedicated period, her focus will be on crafting a synopsis, developing a screenplay and a detailed storyboard which will eventually result in the production of a film trailer (in 2025).

Silvia Martes creates experimental films in which she addresses various social issues in a compelling manner. In her creative process, she also designs the sets herself, exemplifying a interdisciplinary approach that extends beyond traditional visual storytelling. The Commissioning Committee is pleased to contribute to the further development of her work practice. Silvia's unique vision and distinctive approach lead the Committee to believe that this period of study and research with international peers will mark a pivotal chapter in her artistic journey. This will result in the production of a screenplay and trailer for her upcoming film. 
— Charl Landvreugd