A floating platform made of black containers supports a wooden surface with two green crates, a white bucket, a metal tin, black and red plastic stools, and a large blue umbrella with "CRUX" text, set in a bare, white room.

Mark Salvatus Residency

Artist Mark Salvatus (b. 1980, Manila, Philippines) will be in residence at Studio Voltaire from April to May 2026. 

Salvatus' practice frequently draws from overlooked or unrealised histories, transforming them into poetic and political forms. His artistic approach, which he describes as ‘Salvage Projects’, serves as a framework for his diverse investigations into the remnants of urban politics, the layered narratives of national history and the ceaseless motion of contemporary life. Salvatus works across various disciplines, from objects and photography to video, installations and participation.

During his residency, Salvatus will develop Alternating Currents, a project that will research Filipino writer and revolutionary José Rizal’s time at the British Museum between 1888 and 1889. The artist will explore Rizal’s critical investigation and meticulous annotation of Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (1609), one of the most important works about the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines. Rizal aimed to reclaim Philippine history from a Filipino perspective, challenging colonial narratives and laying the groundwork for modern Philippine studies. Rizal envisioned establishing a Philippine Studies centre in London and hosting an international academic conference, though these plans were never realised.

At Studio Voltaire, Salvatus aims to revive the work Rizal had been undertaking in London, proposing a contemporary, speculative model for Philippine Studies rooted in decolonial methods. Beginning with onsite research at the British Museum and influenced by Patrick D. Flores’ concept of “alternating” worldviews, Salvatus will seek to create a centre for Philippine Studies that navigates between different histories, sites and potential futures, to develop new forms of cultural knowledge, resistance and exchange.

Supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Programme.

  1. Mark Salvatus (b. 1980, Lucban, Philippines) is a Filipino artist residing in Manila. Salvatus’ exhibitions include the Philippine Pavilion, Venice Art Biennale, Italy, 2024; and Venice Architecture Biennale, Italy, 2016; Asian Art Biennial, Taichung, Taiwan, 2021; 2nd Lahore Biennale, Pakistan, 2020; Sharjah Biennale, United Arab Emirates, 2019; the 3rd Singapore Biennale, 2011; and the PCAN Pavilion at Gwangju Biennale, Republic of Korea, 2018. Salvatus's work has also been exhibited at institutions including MMCA, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan; Kyoto Art Centre, Japan; ISCP, New York, United States; Jameel Art Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien, Berlin, Germany.

    Salvatus co-founded Load na Dito in 2016 with Mayumi Hirano, a curatorial and research initiative based in Manila. Their recent project was presented at the 1st Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, United Arab Emirates, in 2024.

    cargocollective.com/marksalvatus 

    @mark_salvatus

    1. Mark Salvatus, C_rafts, 2011. Image courtesy of the artist.
    2. Mark Salvatus, Kolorum, 2024. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo: Andrea D’Altoe/National Commission for Culture and the Arts/Philippine Arts in Venice Biennale.
    3. Mark Salvatus, Snap (New Society), 2014. Image courtesy of the artist.
    4. Mark Salvatus, Wrapped, 2006. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo: by Gabriel Horndasch