Summer 2025 Artist Residency with RIDIKKULUZ

The Riverfront Art Gallery is proud to announce our NEW Artist in Residence, RIDIKKULUZ! 

Ridikkuluz is a Palestinian-Egyptian-Jordanian multidisciplinary artist based in NYC. Their figurative work memorializes family, chosen family, and the self while investigating religious, decolonial, cultural, and queer themes. Ridikkuluz belongs to the ballroom community as a member of the Haus of Telfar.

Considering figurative portraiture’s colonial history, RIDIKKULUZ aims to decolonize the narrative by shining a light on unheard voices. As an artist, they use their autonomy & technical skill to memorialize their family, chosen family and their own self. Their multi-disciplinary practice is on the journey to total, unapologetic self-expression. They point out grief, friendship, and self-reflection mixed with conflicting themes of Queer Arab iconography. They intersect these layers to coexist harmoniously. Whether it be bridging the gap between the east and the west, the straights and the gays, or themselves and the world— RIDIKKULUZ investigates the human condition, the parts we play, and how identity evolves and hides.

Throughout this residency, RIDIKKULUZ will be teaching workshops such as abstract and figurative painting techniques, ballroom basics, and more! Be sure to check the calendar for regular updates on RIDIKKULUZ's upcoming workshops. The public is also invited to come and observe the artist during their workshop hours and ask questions. This residency will culminate in a November group exhibition featuring artwork made by RIDIKKULUZ and other artists selected by the Artist and gallery Curator. The exhibition will highlight artwork which explores Arab Queer joy.

RIDIKKULUZ will be working in the gallery from April 28-June 7, 2025 on Mondays from 3pm-8pm and Wednesdays from 11am-4pm. Be sure to join them during these hours to see what they are working on!

Workshop dates:

• Monday, May 5 2025 from 6-7:30pm

• Monday, May 19, 2025 from 6-7:30pm

• Monday, June 2, 2025 from 6-7:30pm

• Monday, June 16, 2025 from 6-7:30pm

• Monday, June 30, 2025 from 6-7:30pm

• Monday, July 7, 2025 from 6-7:30pm