Here's a comprehensive summary of ‘Imprints in a Changing World’, the theme of the 9th cycle of the Misk Art Institute’s residency program, along with its highlights:
🎨 ‘Imprints in a Changing World’
Misk Art Institute Residency Program — 9th Cycle Highlights
🧭 Theme Overview
The 9th cycle of the Misk Art Institute’s residency program was centered around the theme “Imprints in a Changing World”, inviting artists to explore the evolving relationships between individuals, environments, and cultural memory in times of rapid transformation — socially, ecologically, and politically.
The theme encouraged reflection on:
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Human impact on landscapes
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Cultural heritage and preservation
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Personal and collective identity amid global shifts
🖼️ Participating Artists & Practices
This cycle brought together a diverse cohort of emerging and mid-career artists from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Their practices spanned:
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Installation art
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Mixed media
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Photography
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Sculpture
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Sound art and digital media
Artists were invited to research, collaborate, and produce new works over the course of several weeks at Misk Art Residency in Riyadh.
🔍 Key Highlights
1. Site-Specific Works
Many artists created contextual, site-responsive pieces, drawing inspiration from the local geography, architecture, and sociopolitical narratives of Riyadh.
2. Exploration of Memory & Environment
Several projects delved into:
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Environmental degradation
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Urbanization and heritage loss
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Climate anxiety
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Displacement and migration
3. Community Engagement
Workshops, talks, and open studio events were held to connect artists with local audiences, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue.
4. Multidisciplinary Collaborations
This edition encouraged cross-disciplinary experimentation, with collaborations between visual artists, designers, architects, and sound artists.
🏛️ Final Showcase Exhibition
The residency concluded with a group exhibition that presented the outcomes of the participants’ research and creative process. The showcase served not only as a culmination of the residency but also as a platform for public engagement.
The exhibition featured works reflecting:
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Fragile ecologies
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Shifting identities
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Cultural continuity amid change
🗣️ Institutional Impact
The 9th cycle reinforced Misk Art Institute’s role as a major catalyst for:
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Contemporary art in Saudi Arabia
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Global artistic dialogue
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Support for emerging talent
📌 About Misk Art Institute
Founded under the Misk Foundation, the Misk Art Institute supports artistic growth and innovation across the Kingdom. Its residency program is a core initiative aimed at fostering creativity, research, and cultural diplomacy.
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