Silke Riis

I’m super excited to share that I have received the Artist Start grant from the Mondriaan Fund, which will support my artistic practice in the coming year! 🌟

Writing this application took me way longer than I expected, and after months of (re)writing, doubting, and editing, I finally sent it while on a holiday in Spain. That same evening, in the company of people I love, I saw the moon rise from the Mediterranean Sea, full and golden, and I couldn’t help but feel it was a magical good omen 🌕

I can’t believe that this is really happening, and I feel extremely honoured and grateful. With everything that is going on in the world right now, this grant feels even more privileged, and I want to acknowledge how lucky I am.

In the coming year I will continue to experiment with ephemeral materials, finding new ways to document time directly in my work, and working more critically with what ‘sustainability’ means in art-making - and, of course, continue to learn about exciting, niche species from our amazing planet and their environmental adaptations. So get ready for even more dorky science communication, sculptural sci-fi mutations, and slimy-bendy-moldy work from me! 🪱🌱🫧🪼

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank for the support and for believing in me and my practice - it means the world to know that I continue to do what I love!

And a special thanks to my family for always supporting me, to my partner .xyz for being my rock and putting up with me on a daily basis (both at home and in our studio), and to for giving me invaluable feedback on my application

‘Vivaria’, 2023-25 🔵🫐
80 x 40 x 85 cm / 40 x 30 x 100 cm

Assemblage of ceramics and aquariums made for the exhibition Wiggle Room (organised by .ijskast and ) 🪱
The aquariums are resting on Euro-boxes adorned with silver latex ornaments, cast in hand-carved clay molds, and inside them you’ll find water beads and ceramic creatures from the past two years, including my speculative sea cucumbers from 🥒

Today is the last day that you can come and see ‘Vivaria’ (and much more) at - hope to see you there!

…and if not, it will be on view soon again at in June 👀🐟🎏 there might even be different creatures in the tanks 🤫

Documentation:
Slide 1: 📸 by ; Edit by .xyz
Slide 2:
Slide 4-7: .xyz

Sneak peek from the exhibition ‘Wiggle Room’ that opens on Wednesday as part of Rotterdam Art Week 🪼🪱

I’ll be showing a selection of sculptures, including some fresh new pieces, alongside the most amazing group of artists you ever did see!! ⭐️

It’ll be grand, it’ll be wiggly, it’ll be fun!
Join us for the opening on Wednesday the 26th of March, from 16:00 to 20:00 🫧
(at Het Archief, Robert Fruinstraat 52)

…and if you for some reason can’t make it on Wednesday, the exhibition continues to be open on 28th, 29th and 30th of march. It will then remain open on the weekends and on demand until the 24th of april 👁️🫦👁️

Special thanks and shoutout to the very best and .ijskast for inviting me to be part of this show 💘