Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Welcomes Zahra Malkani as 2026 Artist in Residence
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced Zahra Malkani, a Pakistani artist, as its Artist in Residence for 2026. This appointment marks Malkani as the second artist to participate in the museum's annual residency initiative. Her proposal stood out to the selection committee for its distinctiveness and high quality.
Malkani's planned project will explore water as a repository of ecological, historical, and colonial memory. This focus resonates with current research efforts at the Rijksmuseum, particularly concerning themes of sustainability and the museum's colonial past. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and the exchange of ideas, often involving diverse communities and experts from various fields.
Throughout her year-long residency, Malkani will have full access to the Rijksmuseum's extensive collections, its library, archives, laboratories, and specialized knowledge resources.
Having lived and worked in the Netherlands for three years, Malkani's artistic practice is recognized for its research-driven and collaborative nature. Her work spans various mediums, including painting, text, video, and multimedia installations, consistently addressing the ecological crisis, climate change, and the vital role of water in human existence.
Zahra Malkani shared her anticipation for the upcoming residency, stating, "I am looking forward to spending this year with the expansive collections and communities at the Rijksmuseum. The museum offers a powerful space in which to explore questions that have long shaped my practice. My interests lie in our relationship with water, colonial history, the sacred and the secular, and decay and preservation."
The Rijksmuseum's Commitment to Contemporary Art
The Artist in Residence program is an integral part of the broader Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme, which also supports university researchers. Artists are invited to submit proposals for new artworks or artistic interventions that engage with the museum's collection, history, or other institutional aspects.
This initiative is designed to encourage creative synergy between artistic and academic practices. Through this program, the Rijksmuseum aims to deepen its engagement with contemporary art and strengthen its collaborations with practicing artists. Further details about the program are available on the Artist in Residence Programme page.
The Rijksmuseum Artist in Residence Programme receives support from the Mondriaan Fund and through the Rijksmuseum Fund, specifically the Conrad Whelan 42 Fund, the ABREZIEL Fund, and a private donor.
To discover more about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural experiences in the city, visit Musemap (musemap.art) to browse museums in Amsterdam or explore a map of cultural spots.
