Contemporary at Blue Star proudly announces the selection of its 2025-2026 Berlin Residency artists: Miles Friday, Brandy Gonzalez, Anthony Rundblade, and Andrea Willems. Each artist will embark on a transformative three-month adventure in Berlin, specifically at the renowned Künstlerhaus Bethanien, where they will enjoy studio and living space, workshop access, and exhibition opportunities, alongside engagements with international curators.
Since 2013, this initiative aims to enhance the artistry of four Bexar County creatives every year, thrusting them into the vibrant art scene of Berlin. A unique feature includes showcasing their work in BE magazine, a bilingual publication with global reach. Additionally, with the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office support, residents will connect with artists and cultural leaders in Darmstadt, San Antonio’s sister city.
Heyd Fontenot, an alumnus of the residency, shared insights into the experience, stating, “I’ve witnessed first-hand the level of support that artists receive at Künstlerhaus Bethanien… What the Contemporary offers with this program is not simply ‘a trip to Berlin for a Texas artist.’” This highlights the profound network and advantages that come with the residency.
Selections for the residency are made through an open call, and this year’s panel included notable figures like independent curator Dr. Angelika Jansen Brown and artist Jimmy James Canales, ensuring a diverse and knowledgeable selection process. The artists’ individual biographies reveal a mosaic of talent and rich backgrounds, each contributing a unique perspective to contemporary art.
Miles Friday, a composer and educator, uses his art as a form of inquiry, blending sound with technology and personal experience. His works, celebrated internationally, challenge conventional views of music and sound’s role within society.
Brandy Gonzalez, a San Antonio native, transitions her artistic prowess through public murals and educational roles, infusing the community with vibrant, engaging art. She balances her creative practice with teaching, connecting the elements of her art with diverse audiences.
Anthony Rundblade delves into the grotesque, utilising sculpture and installation to evoke fresh perspectives on cultural phenomena. His unique approach transforms everyday materials, compelling viewers to reconsider their perceptions and closely examine the nuances of normality.
Lastly, Andrea Willems’s works offer evocative personal narratives, juxtaposing themes of loss and memory. Using various techniques to create dreamlike landscapes and forms, her art harks back to her own experiences, fostering deeper connections with her audience. Her accolades include prestigious grants and placements in significant collections globally.
Contemporary at Blue Star announces the 2025-2026 Berlin Residency artists: Miles Friday, Brandy Gonzalez, Anthony Rundblade, and Andrea Willems. Selected through an open call, they will gain studio space, workshops, and exhibition opportunities at Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin. Support includes travel to Darmstadt to engage with cultural leaders. Each artist brings unique perspectives to contemporary art, enhancing their creative practices in this extraordinary residency experience.
In conclusion, the Contemporary at Blue Star’s 2025-2026 Berlin Residency promises to be a transformative experience for the selected artists, fostering connections and enhancing their artistic practices in a supportive environment. Through personal narratives and innovative explorations, Miles Friday, Brandy Gonzalez, Anthony Rundblade, and Andrea Willems exemplify the growth potential within the rich cultural tapestry of Berlin. Their journeys embody creativity as a communal venture, inspiring greater engagement within and beyond the art world.
Original Source: glasstire.com
