Tessa Silva (b.1990) is a British-Brazilian artist and designer based in London, whose work considers our collective use of materials from ancient history to the present day. Her practice is rooted in a deep investigation of material histories and embodied labour.

Tessa’s primary project, titled Feminised Protein, exists in dialogue with themes of sustainability, history, nature, and motherhood. Drawing influence from historical craftsmanship and early production techniques, her slow, tactile processes pay homage to traditional forms of making. There is a supple and feminine quality to her work, with pieces embodying biomorphic abstractions that evoke soft, organic forms. The work fosters a dialogue on sustainability and modern waste while resonating with a history of exploitation—whether in the dairy industry, natural resources, or female bodies.

Tessa holds an MA from the Royal College of Art. Her work has been exhibited internationally at institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, and was featured in the 10th edition of Future Heritage, curated by Corinne Julius. She has also delivered lectures on her practice at the V&A, Henry Moore Studios, and for the British Council’s Circular Cultures programme.