PAULA DIAS ZERBES, Portugal
Censored letters, Pencil of censorship
This project comes from a reflection on how censorship limits freedom and inhibits meaningful dialogue between diverse ideas, ultimately stifling creativity, acting as an obstacle to the true essence of the artist. This tension encourages the search for authenticity, as artists resist restrictions, forced expression and connection. It is about reclaiming freedom and creating a space where different opinions can enter into dialogue, fostering genuine creativity that transcends control and repetition.
CENSURED LETTERS
Is a tribute to my father that evokes a period during the Portuguese dictatorship, when many lives were abruptly cut short – sometimes for such a simple reason as carrying an envelope with money.
PENCIL OF CENSORSHIP
During the Portuguese dictatorship, censorship was a constant presence in people’s lives. The so-called “blue pencil” became a symbol of the censors, who crossed out, cut out and banned entire texts to prevent criticism of the regime and to maintain order and obedience.
Material: 925 silver wire, Limoges liquid porcelain, nail; 925 silver, liquid porcelain, rubber thread
Technique: soldering, iron nail; glazing, slip casting, polishing, brushing, soldering
Born in Lisbon, Paula Dias Zerbes graduated in Professional makeup and character design and has always shown a strong interest in the arts. Her work is closely linked to the field of jewelry and focuses on themes such as freedom, violence against women and the essence of the self, exploring diverse textures and materials in the creation of her jewerly pieces. Between 2023 and 2024, she received a scholarship for the individual contemporary jewelry project at Ar.Co – Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual in Lisbon. She has participated in exhibitions such as the 2nd Lisbon Biennal of Contemporary Jewllery “PIN Bienal” in 2024, as aprt of the Ar.Co exhibition, and the Annual Marzee International Graduate Show 2025.
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