‘My time at NIAS continues to have an effect in my practice to this day’ Interview with Oscar Santillán

What did your NIAS residency focus on?

Santillán: 'My research revolved around the question of whether it is possible to imagine a system where artificial intelligence (AI) connects directly with ecological intelligence. Working alongside academics, I investigated this topic and learned how to formulate precise questions, which is a crucial skill for any artist with curiosity about disciplines outside the standard art field. The clearer your hypothesis, the more meaningful the conversations and discoveries that follow. That refined skill is one I continue to use in my life and work as an artist.’

What was it like to engage with academics from different disciplines?

Santillán: ‘Paradigm-shifting. The constant exposure to people from various academic backgrounds naturally led to profound discussions. Simply being in the same environment, having lunch together, engage in Zoom calls and being present during presentations of each other's work created opportunities for intellectual exchanges that wouldn't have happened otherwise. 

Of course, my residency took place during the early months of 2020, so much of the interaction was virtual at first. But toward the end, when in-person conversations became possible, I truly experienced the full richness of NIAS as an interdisciplinary hub.'

What were the key outcomes of your residency, and how did it impact your career?

Santillán: ’NIAS allowed me to develop an ambitious research premise. At that time, I was not yet able to build a working prototype of my idea, but I refined the conceptual and theoretical foundation. At the end of my residency, I presented a reading performance, collaborating with a sound designer and a performer who created a real-time sound piece based on my written research. 

That experience laid the foundation for what has since become my most ambitious project: The Interspecies Virtual Machine (IVM). Following my residency, I further developed IVM in collaboration with The Davis Center for AI at Colby College (US). The project now has a working prototype and later this year I will be presenting a full installation, bringing to life an idea that was first conceived at NIAS.’

What would you say to artists considering applying for a NIAS residency?

Santillán: ’If your artistic curiosity extends beyond the boundaries of the traditional art world, NIAS is the place for you. It offers direct exposure to people engaged in diverse aspects of society, far beyond the artistic field. Artists can play a crucial role as generalists in a world of hyper-specialization, connecting dots that remain separate in the academic landscape. 

For artists willing to step outside their immediate discipline, NIAS provides a rare and enriching opportunity. You will engage with scholars who challenge your ideas, refine your research approach, and offer perspectives that might completely transform your work.’

Apply for the Artist-in-Residence fellowship

Are you an artist who wants to explore new intellectual directions? Registration for the NIAS residency is now open and will remain open until 12:00 noon on 17 March. You can apply by email. The fellowship will be conducted in English.

About Oscar Santillán

Oscar Santillán is a visual artist who is based in Ecuador and the Netherlands. After studying at Virginia Commonwealth University in the U.S., he completed artist-in-residencies at the Jan van Eyck Academie (NL), Ratti Foundation (IT), Delfina Foundation (UK) and the Leiden Observatory (NL). His work has been exhibited in the Netherlands at the Melly Art Institute, Museum Voorlinden, Kröller-Muller Museum and Centraal Museum Utrecht.

You can read more about his work via the link below.