Silent City

During Art Rotterdam at the iconic Van Nelle Fabriek, artist Rob Sweere brought the project Silent City to life — a contemplative intervention in the midst of the vibrant art world. While the Van Nelle Fabriek buzzed with movement, conversation, and sensory overload, Silent City offered visitors a place to experience the exact opposite: silence.

With his signature approach — inviting people to look, listen, and feel in stillness — Sweere created a space where nothing was required except to simply be. Inspired by his earlier Silent Sky Project, this edition invited participants to share a moment of silence within an urban setting, offering a brief escape from the bustle of the art fair.

The installation invited visitors to slow down and reflect — a rare gift in an environment usually driven by speed and spectacle. Mothership developed the concept, acted as curator, guided the participation process, and was responsible for the project’s execution and coordination.