Ashmolean names Munem Wasif first Samdani visiting artist
Munem Wasif is in Oxford as the first artist chosen for a new partnership between the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and the Samdani Art Foundation.
He has been appointed the inaugural Ashmolean Samdani Visiting Artist, the museum said. He will be based in Oxford from 26 September to 13 October as part of the programme. Ashmolean
The scheme is called the Samdani Visiting Artist Programme. It is planned as an annual visiting artist programme, with a new artist invited each year. FAD Magazine
The wider link-up between the museum and the foundation also includes a collection dedicated to contemporary art. The two organisations have joined forces to develop the collection strand alongside the residency. ARTnews
The Samdani Art Foundation was co-founded by Rajeeb Samdani and Nadia Samdani. The BBC lists the pair as the foundation's co-founders. BBC
For readers new to museum language, the idea is straightforward. A visiting artist is invited to spend a short period inside a museum. That usually means time with curators, conservators and stores, looking at works up close and talking through ideas. It can lead to new work, workshops or public talks, but the core is access and exchange.
Wasif arrived on 26 September. With the current date at 30 September, he is in the opening days of his stay. The visit runs until 13 October.
What makes this stand out for a general audience is how easy it is to join in. You do not need prior knowledge of the artist or the collection. Residencies are built around fresh eyes. An outsider spends time with familiar objects and asks different questions, and visitors often get to hear those questions first-hand.
The announcement confirms the name, the title and the dates. It does not set out a full schedule of public events. Any talks, open studios or displays linked to the stay will need to be confirmed by the museum in due course.
For now, the confirmed facts are simple and short. Oxford has a guest. His name is Munem Wasif. The host is a new partnership that pairs time in the museum with a growing focus on contemporary art. Check the museum website for updates.
