ABOUT
BIRKE VAN MAARTENS
[she/her]
As a multidisciplinary artist in the performing arts, I aim to create an interactive context between scenography, composed soundscapes, theatre, and dance. Light and sound installations frequently blur the line between scenery and prop as they often become a part of the performers' choreography – aspects of my work that provide the attentive viewer with insights into the dance work in a multi-layered way.
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As a female artist, I am critically interested in challenging the desensitizing diminishing distance between technology and human being. Through the artistic processes, I investigate how digitalization is impacting human advancement, and examine the empowering possibilities of feminism within the complexity of today's fast-paced world.
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By means of my creative methods and endeavors, I delve into the enigmatic and otherworldly nature of AI. Transcending all boundaries and distinctions, to emphasize the essential and irreducible process of becoming, in which bodies and materials coalesce. With my works I raise questions to scrutinize the underlying principles of power and the beliefs they uphold by re-examining the ethical and artistic value of the inherent essence of our surroundings and the environment's resources, ultimately providing a revitalized perspective on the prevailing, established hierarchies.
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COLLABORATIONS
As artist/ choreographer/ assistant choreographer/ rehearsal director/ artistic production assistant/ scenery designer/ sound designer/ costume designer/ writer/ production manager, I have worked with artists and companies such as Michèle Anne De Mey (BE), Olivier Dubois (FR) ; Theresa Reiwer (DE); Kenji Tanaka (DE); Oded Graf (yossioded, ISR); Paul Blackman & Christine Gouzelis (JUKSTA, GR); Milla Koistinen (DE/FIN); Marion Sparber (Shared Levitation, DE); Anni Koskinen (Kinetic Orchestra, FIN); Patricia Apergi (GR), BODHI PROJECT Dance Company, AT); Michael Langeneckert (moving orchestra, DE); SQfarm. Fallbach Art Research Movement(DE), SEAD Salzburg (AT), and more.
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EDUCATION
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SEAD – Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance
Studies in Contemporary Dance and Choreography [Salzburg, Austria]
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DANCEWORKS – Academy of Contemporary Dance
Studies in Contemporary Dance and Choreography [Berlin, Germany]
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DIE ETAGE – School of Performing and Visual Arts
Studies in Contemporary Dance [Berlin, Germany]
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P.A.R.T.S. - Performing Arts Research and Training Studios
SUMMER SCHOOL [Brussels, Belgium]
SENECA Intensiv – Educational Programs for Artistic Movement
Studies in DANCE PEDAGOGY [Berlin, Germany]
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ABKM Academy of Fine Arts Maastricht
Studies in Fine Arts and Design [Maastricht, Netherlands]
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