Anaïs López (NL, 1981) is a visual artist based in Amsterdam, working at the intersection of documentary, fiction, and transmedia storytelling. Her practice evolves from intimate personal narratives into universal themes such as migration, identity, grief, life and death, and the relationship between humans and nature. She consistently uses a small story to reveal broader societal or existential questions, combining photography, film, performance, sound, text, and books to create layered, immersive experiences.

Her work

Her project The Migrant examined how people navigate cities and society, questioning urban and social structures while exploring our relationship with “the other.” By blending fact and fiction in a real-life fable about a Mynah bird, López addressed migration, climate change, and social inclusion. The project included an artist book, live performances, and interactive storytelling with audiences.

In Blood Ties, López investigates the importance of knowing one’s family history. She traces her grandmother’s story, which was shaped by family myths of flight during World War II, uncovering the tension between inherited narratives and historical truth. The work reflects on the consequences of family secrets and ethical questions around memory and modern technology.

The Turtle and the Monk is a multi-layered meditation on life, death, grief, and the human connection to nature. Inspired by her encounter with the golden turtle Kami in Kyoto, the project spans experimental film, performance, an artist book, and exhibition, exploring the urge to control nature, the transformative power of myth, and the courage to let go.

For López, storytelling is inseparable from its presentation: research, collaboration, and form are all integral to the work. Her practice challenges boundaries between documentary, fine art, and performance, creating immersive experiences that resonate on multiple levels.