Artists Rashid Johnson and Sheree Hovsepian Establish New Residency Program in Menorca
A groundbreaking artist residency program, conceived by celebrated artists Rashid Johnson and Sheree Hovsepian, is set to open its doors on the picturesque island of Menorca. Named "The Residency at Casa Gràcia," this initiative is designed to offer a nurturing and self-directed environment for both visual artists and writers, fostering a space for profound creative exploration without the pressure of immediate public exhibition. Slated to begin in the upcoming spring, the program reflects a vision to provide participants with ample time and privacy, allowing their practices to evolve organically amidst Menorca's inspiring landscape.
The concept behind Casa Gràcia is deeply rooted in the unique allure of Menorca. As Sheree Hovsepian articulated, the island possesses a mystical quality and an extraordinary archaeological presence that evokes a sense of humility and connection to ancient history. This distinct atmosphere, she believes, expands inner space, facilitating the free flow of ideas and linking personal creativity to something both intimate and timeless. The program's commitment to self-directed residencies underscores a philosophy that values intrinsic artistic development, enabling residents to immerse themselves fully in their work and the island's captivating environment.
The inaugural cohort for the residency program is now accepting applications, with a submission deadline set for July 31. Each cycle will welcome three artists and two writers, offering artists the opportunity for stays of up to three months, while writers may reside for as long as six months. A distinguished advisory board, featuring Johnson and Hovsepian themselves, alongside notable figures such as artist Hank Willis Thomas, authors Katherine Brinson, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Colson Whitehead, collector Gaurav Kapadia, entertainment executive Ravi Nandan, and internet personality Alex Ernst, will meticulously select the participants. Representatives from Hauser & Wirth, Johnson’s gallery, including co-founders Iwan and Manuela Wirth and Debbie Hillyerd, also contribute to the board's expertise, joined by Cristopher Canizares, who recently transitioned from the gallery to launch his own artist management agency.
The physical space of Casa Gràcia has undergone a meticulous transformation, meticulously renovated by the Paris-based architectural firm Laplace in collaboration with local Menorcan architects Maimó&Brosa. Originally constructed in 1860, this historic building is nestled within a residential quarter of Mahon, the island's capital. It now boasts three distinct areas tailored for artistic and literary pursuits: a spacious 3,230-square-foot studio, a dedicated study, and a tranquil walled garden. The renovation has thoughtfully reimagined the site—once an intriguing combination of a nightclub entrance with the owners' apartment above—into a sanctuary characterized by simplicity, clarity, and ease, perfectly aligned with the residency's ethos of fostering focused creative endeavor.
Rashid Johnson's personal connection to Menorca began several years prior, through his association with Hauser & Wirth, which inaugurated an outpost on Isla del Rey in 2021, complete with its own residency program. His subsequent return visits, particularly leading up to his 2022 exhibition at the gallery's Balearic Islands location, deepened his appreciation for the island's unique rhythm and beauty. Johnson eloquently expressed that Menorca offered him a rare sense of slowness, clarity, and openness, allowing for the expansion of thought and creativity. He hopes that by establishing this residency, he can extend this transformative experience to fellow artists, providing them with the essential time and space for reflection, experimentation, meaningful conversation, and profound renewal. He envisions Casa Gràcia as a place where artists, much like himself, will discover Menorca's subtle yet powerful capacity to sharpen focus and enrich their artistic practice.