RESIDENCY FELLOWSHIP
Starting in 2023, one US based applicant per season of the International Residency will be awarded a Full Fellowship, which covers all program fees for the season. A jury consisting of NARS staff and select art professionals review applications on the merit of artistic quality and level of need; studio practice; and the potential professional development and benefit from engaging with the NARS community. Only US based artists are eligible to receive the Full Fellowship. Click here to learn more about the International Residency Program, and how to apply.
Meet the Season I 2024 International Residency Fellow
Mar Figueroa is an Ecuadorian-born painter currently based in New York. In her surreal autobiographical paintings, she explores her multifaceted identity and honors her Andean heritage. In 2020, she was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient in the Art & Style and Immigrant categories. More recently, she was an artist in residence at Silver Art's Project in the World Trade Center and awarded the Hopper Prize in 2023. She currently serves as a faculty member at the School of Visual Arts. Mar Figueroa received her education at the Rhode Island School of Design.
We sat down with Mar to talk about their experience as a Fellow at the International Residency:
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
My life and paintings are influenced by my upbringing in an Andean satellite community in the US, centered around my mother’s traditional cuisine restaurant. Surrounded by migrant women crafting dishes and exchanging tales, I absorbed their work ethic and storytelling. My paintings draw from my experiences, Latin American folklore, poetry, and surrealism.
Photo courtesy of the artist
What was a moment at NARS that stood out to you?
It's hard to pinpoint just one, but my fond memories of pulling all-nighters at NARS stand out. The winters in Sunset Park can be rough, and once I nestled into my studio, I was reluctant to leave until I heard my peers arriving the next morning. I enjoy painting when the world is sleeping.
Photo courtesy of the artist
How do you feel that the residency program and particularly the fellowship influenced your practice?
I'm deeply grateful for the fellowship that assisted me in participating in the NARS residency program. It provided essential studio space during a critical phase of my career and introduced me to a beautiful community. This was my first time in a cohort with vastly different studio practices. Witnessing their creative processes was truly inspiring and imprinting on me. Specifically, it was captivating to see the minds of my peers and how one idea grew roots into several mediums, as opposed to a singular painting. The camaraderie and encouragement to experiment have led me to explore outside of my comfort zone at the moment.
Photo courtesy of the artist
Are there certain routines that you developed over your time at NARS? In the studio, or in the neighborhood, for example?
For better or worse, I found myself delving deeper into my nocturnal habits as a resident artist. The availability of delicious Mexican food to-go certainly facilitated that.
Do you have any advice for future residency fellows?
Yes, befriend your cohort and go out for family tacos. The conversations we had over tacos were energizing and often helped clear some creative cobwebs.
Untitled, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas, 48 x 36 inches
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