Martha Atienza
b.
1981
,
Bantayan Island
,
Cebu
Conceptual
Mixed Media
Video Art
Biography
Martha Atienza (b. 1981, Manila, Philippines; lives and works in Bantayan Island Philippines) is a Dutch-Filipino video artist exploring the format's ability to document and question issues related to the environment, community, and development. Born to a Dutch mother and Filipino father, Atienza has navigated between these cultures throughout her life, and the oscillation between the two significantly influence her approach to observation, documentation, and the concept of the gaze. Her video is rooted in both ecological and sociological concerns as she studies the intricate interplay between local traditions, human subjectivity, and the natural world. Frequently examining her immediate surroundings, she excels in exploring the potential of art as a catalyst for societal transformation.
Notable information
- Won the Baloise Art Prize in Art Basel for her seminal work "Our Islands" in 2017
- Twice awarded the Ateneo Art Awards in Manila (2012/2016)
- Received the Cultural Center of the Philippines Thirteen Artist Award (2015)
- Recent exhibitions include the 17th Istanbul Biennial (2022), Bangkok Art Biennale (2020), and Honolulu Biennial (2019)
- Her solo exhibition "The Protectors" inaugurated Silverlens New York in 2022
- Awarded the Afield Fellowship in 2024
- Works primarily in video art and installations focusing on environmental and community issues
- Advocates for marine-protected areas and works with local fisherfolk communities
Our Islands 11°16'58.4 N 123°45'07.0 E
(
2017
) —
Single channel HD video, no audio
,
01:12:00 min. loop
.
Image courtesy of
Silverlens Galleries
.
Panangatan 11°09'53.3"N 123°42'40.5"E 2019-10-24 Thu 6:42 AM PST 1.29 meters High Tide 2019-10-12 Sat 10:26 AM PST 1.40 meters High Tide
(
2019
) —
Single channel HD video, no sound, shown as a single projection
,
05:07:00 min. loop
.
Image courtesy of
Silverlens Galleries
.
