In this lecture, Marta Costa Reis reflects on the interconnected strands of her practice as an artist, curator and advocate for contemporary jewellery. She will discuss the ideas that shape her artistic work, alongside her curatorial approach through the Lisbon Contemporary Jewellery Biennial.

The talk will also explore her work in strengthening the field through the organisations she chairs – PIN (Portuguese Contemporary Jewellery Association) and Art Jewellery Forum – considering the role of community, exchange and advocacy in supporting contemporary jewellery today.

—

Marta Costa Reis (Lisbon, Portugal, 1968) is a jewellery artist, curator, and teacher. Her work stems from the universal human need to connect with the mystery beyond our lives — expressed through jewellery that embodies prayers, poetry, and symbols of protection drawn from different cultures and eras. She exhibits regularly in Portugal and internationally.

She began studying jewellery in 2004, dedicating herself fully to the practice in 2014. She completed the Jewellery Course and the Advanced Course in Visual Arts at Arco – Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual (Lisbon). In addition to her artistic practice, she has taught Jewellery History at Arco since 2018 and writes regularly about jewellery.

On an institutional level, she is President of the Board of PIN – Portuguese Contemporary Jewellery Association (2023–present) and Board Chair of Art Jewelry Forum (USA, 2025–present). She was Artistic Director of the 1st Lisbon Contemporary Jewellery Biennial (2021) and General Curator of the 2nd (2024) and 3rd (2026) editions. Prior to dedicating herself entirely to jewellery, she worked in law, media, publishing, and the non-profit sector.

—

The Ockham Lecture series is an annual programme of lectures and panel discussions across different themes that critically engage with craft, design and architecture. This programme is supported by Objectspace's Lead Partner Ockham Residential.