SAN ANTONIO, TX.- Artpace are presenting the Summer 2023 International Artist-in-Residence exhibitions. Xin Liu (London, England), Michi Meko (Atlanta, Georgia), and Ryan Takaba (San Antonio, Texas), were selected by Guest Curator Alejo Benedetti, Acting Curator, Contemporary Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. The artists opened their debut exhibitions at a reception earlier this month.

Artist and engineer Xin Liu presents her captivating exhibition, At the End of Everything, which delves into the nature of oil as an assertive, almost sentient resource rather than a passive substance and explores the intersection of oil, life, and death. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a striking pyramid-shaped structure suspended over an oil fountain, with a glass globe containing oil at its core. Coming from a background deeply connected to petroleum exploitation in her hometown of Karamay, Xinjiang, China, Liu's residency in oil-dependent Texas further amplifies the significance of her work, with Texas leading the nation in crude oil production and refining and home to the largest petrochemical cluster in the world.

In his exhibition, While I'm Here...A Different South, Michi Meko employs paintings to convey his quest for transcendence, exploring both the challenges and blessings encountered along his journey. Through two expansive artworks, the artist utilizes landscapes as a symbolic representation of his psyche. Drawing inspiration from the Texan terrain, which embodies both harshness and beauty, these paintings serve as a profound self-portrait, inviting viewers to delve into the artist's inner world and contemplate their own paths. Alongside these captivating pieces, another wall is adorned with five small black paintings. These works provide a sense of calm amidst the chaos, acting as a deliberate counterpoint to the larger artworks. They serve as a manufactured transcendence, offering solace and tranquility in a realm that feels unattainable. Together, the exhibition presents a multidimensional exploration of the artist's journey, inviting viewers to engage with their own contemplations and reflections on their personal journeys and transcendence.

Ryan Takaba's exhibition, Sound Shatters the Illusion, invites visitors to an encompassing experience centered around the ritual of altars. At the heart of the gallery, a singular and imposing cylinder commands attention. Its surface is dripped in candle wax and thoughtfully arranged with nearly 600 candles, which visitors can ignite during their visit. A circular platform crafted from wood encircles the structure, leading to a discreet door that welcomes exploration. Within this meditative space, various elements pay homage to the ethereal nature of air. Stepping onto the outside platform triggers a wondrous occurrence inside—the movement of air through delicate paper creates an enchanting interplay of sound and motion. Ryan Takaba's exhibition invites you on a journey of curiosity and discovery, delving into enigmatic phenomena that shape the natural world.

The Artpace International Artist-in-Residence program is made possible through the support of the Linda Pace Foundation, City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, National Endowment for the Arts, Impact Fund Cultural Vibrancy of the San Antonio Area Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, The Parker Foundation, the Howard and Betty Halff Charitable Fund, and the Jeanie Rabke Wyatt Family Foundation. Our Texas-based residency has been generously funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Artpace San Antonio is a nonprofit residency program which supports Texas, national, and international artists in the creation of new art. As a catalyst for artistic expression, we engage local communities with global art practices and experiences. To date, Artpace has welcomed 276 artists through its renowned International Artist-in-Residence program. Annually, Artpace hosts three residencies. Each feature one Texas-based artist, one national artist, and one international artist, who are selected by a notable guest curator. Each eight-week residency culminates in a two-month exhibition on site. The mission of this program is to provide artists with unparalleled resources that allow them to experiment with new ideas and take provocative risks.

Artpace
International Artists-in-Residence
July 13th, 2023 - September 10th, 2023