Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Welcomes First Artist in Residence, Aimée Zito Lema
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced its inaugural Artist in Residence, Dutch-Argentinian artist Aimée Zito Lema. This new program invites contemporary artists to engage directly with the museum’s extensive collections and historical archives, marking a significant step for the national institution.
Following an open call that concluded on 8 September 2024, Zito Lema's proposal was selected from 265 submissions. Her project, praised by the selection panel for its practice-driven approach and integration of various aspects of the collection, will see her granted access to the Rijksmuseum’s resources, including its collections, archives, laboratories, and expert knowledge, throughout the coming calendar year.
About Aimée Zito Lema: The Inaugural Resident Artist
Born in 1982, Aimée Zito Lema is a Dutch-Argentinian visual artist recognized for her multidisciplinary practice, which incorporates photography, sculpture, video, and installations. Her work often explores themes of social engagement, collective memory, and topics such as labor, solidarity, and activism.
Zito Lema draws upon both archival materials and personal narratives to create pieces that emerge from a blend of in-depth research and intuitive responses. Her projects frequently examine how history is passed down through generations and how this process can offer new insights into understanding the present.
Regarding her residency, Aimée Zito Lema shared her perspective: "This residency provides me with a wonderful opportunity to work in a unique setting where history and technical expertise converge. I want to shed light on various aspects of the restoration of heritage, both as a hands-on processing of knowledge and as a symbolic gesture."
The Rijksmuseum's Vision for Contemporary Art in Amsterdam
The Artist in Residence program is an integral component of the broader Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme, which also supports university-based academics. The museum anticipates that this new artistic residency will foster greater cross-fertilization between artistic and academic practices, enriching both fields.
Through this initiative, the Rijksmuseum continues to broaden its focus on contemporary art and enhance its collaborations with artists working today. Further details on the program can be found on the Rijksmuseum's Artist in Residence Programme page.
The Rijksmuseum Artist in Residence Programme is made possible in part by the Mondriaan Fund, alongside contributions from the Rijksmuseum Fonds, specifically the Conrad Whelan 42 Fund, the ABREZIEL Fonds, and a private donor.
This new residency is poised to bring fresh artistic interpretations to the Rijksmuseum, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Amsterdam. To discover more about exhibitions and cultural experiences across the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) and browse other museums in Amsterdam or see what's on.
