PASTIEDITIONS INTERVIEWS
ARTISTS
CAPITÃO ARTIST RESIDENCY
7–21 OCTOBER 2024
Billy De Luca
Salvador Gil
Billy is a self-taught writer and painter who seamlessly blends words and images to convey thought-provoking and often unconventional narratives. With a background shaped by Spanish and Italian heritage and extensive travel between Europe and Australia, his work reflects a keen interest in cultural identity, materiality, and the intimate nature of human form. His paintings, often created on repurposed surfaces, investigate how place and culture intersect, and how personal and geographical landscapes can inform artistic expression.
As both a writer and painter, Billy uses his dual practice to explore the relationship between text and imagery, capturing moments that merge imagination, memory, and observation. His works are site-specific, delving into how new environments can evoke fresh perspectives on identity and belonging. For Billy, every painting tells a story, and his goal is to unite the two mediums, where words serve as captions that bring the visuals into sharper focus.
As both a writer and painter, Billy uses his dual practice to explore the relationship between text and imagery, capturing moments that merge imagination, memory, and observation. His works are site-specific, delving into how new environments can evoke fresh perspectives on identity and belonging. For Billy, every painting tells a story, and his goal is to unite the two mediums, where words serve as captions that bring the visuals into sharper focus.
Mana’s work is deeply informed by her upbringing in Iran and her academic training in Visual Culture, Curating, and Contemporary Art (ViCCA) at Aalto University. Growing up in an environment where cinematic representations of intimacy were restricted, she developed a practice that focuses on the gaps between lived experience and representation. Her use of film and narrative storytelling is closely linked to memory politics, exploring how personal and collective memories are shaped and retold, especially within marginalized communities.
Rituals play a central role in Mana's work, providing a familiar space for connection and shared experience. Using a handycam, she records films that navigate the edges of personal history, cultural narratives, and communal rituals. Through these practices, she addresses the underrepresented voices in society, creating intimate visual stories that bridge memory, imagination, and the unspoken.
Rituals play a central role in Mana's work, providing a familiar space for connection and shared experience. Using a handycam, she records films that navigate the edges of personal history, cultural narratives, and communal rituals. Through these practices, she addresses the underrepresented voices in society, creating intimate visual stories that bridge memory, imagination, and the unspoken.
Holding a BA in Sound and Image from the School of Arts—UCP and currently pursuing an MA in Art Praxis at the Dutch Art Institute, Maria employs a multidisciplinary approach. She works through writing, mixed-media sculpture, sound installations, and analog imaging, offering viewers a sensory narrative that engages deeply with the warmth and memory that aching holds.
Maria’s artistic practice delves into the intersection of voice, sound, and sculptural forms, exploring the complex malleability of sound and its capacity to articulate symbolic objects and critical narratives. Through asymmetrical yet repetitive processes, she taps into myth, memory, and the ritualistic echoes of interior and exterior experiences. Her creations embody an archive of care, pain, and intimate reflection—often connected to her own experience with chronic pain.
Maria’s artistic practice delves into the intersection of voice, sound, and sculptural forms, exploring the complex malleability of sound and its capacity to articulate symbolic objects and critical narratives. Through asymmetrical yet repetitive processes, she taps into myth, memory, and the ritualistic echoes of interior and exterior experiences. Her creations embody an archive of care, pain, and intimate reflection—often connected to her own experience with chronic pain.
Salvador Gil is an emerging Portuguese Roma filmmaker and actor whose work spans across cinema, set design, and performance. Currently pursuing a degree in Cinema and Audiovisuals at the Escola Superior Artística do Porto, Salvador has already made a mark with his award-winning short films and work in both the art department and acting roles in Portuguese cinema. His work reflects a keen attention to storytelling through both visual composition and character-driven narratives.
Salvador’s artistic journey has been recognized by the Portuguese Academy of Cinema, with accolades such as the NICO Award for Actor and Director and nominations for the Sophia Student Award. His experience includes assistant directing, set design, and notable acting roles in TV series and films. Salvador's cinematic vision is shaped by a deep understanding of visual storytelling, honed through his diverse experiences in the film industry. His unique perspective as a Portuguese Roma man informs his passion for telling stories that challenge conventions, while celebrating cultural diversity and the power of personal history.
Salvador’s artistic journey has been recognized by the Portuguese Academy of Cinema, with accolades such as the NICO Award for Actor and Director and nominations for the Sophia Student Award. His experience includes assistant directing, set design, and notable acting roles in TV series and films. Salvador's cinematic vision is shaped by a deep understanding of visual storytelling, honed through his diverse experiences in the film industry. His unique perspective as a Portuguese Roma man informs his passion for telling stories that challenge conventions, while celebrating cultural diversity and the power of personal history.