Every Rika Art Residency begins charged with potential, much like the tentative clicks of a camera shutter seeking the right light, the perfect shadow. The Feeling Good Rika opened with possibilities right at the door. Artists of different genders, practices, and generations were assembled for a week of conversations, co-creation, and bonding. Drawn from the queer community, the week-long residency was infused with intention and purpose.
For a week, we communed together, sharing stories, experiences, and our skills, being equally vulnerable and brave in the different sessions. There was always a sense of anticipation and camaraderie. We learned about each other’s crafts and challenges of being artists and shared incredible affirmations.
Over the week, we collaborated, photographers thinking alongside painters, movement artists thinking alongside poets; there was so much cross-pollination that led to the showcase event at the end of the week. With all the remarkable energy, I tried my hand at collaging photographs and fabric on canvas, which was something I had never done before. But with the encouragement of the facilitators, I took on the beautiful challenge.
The residency itself was a haven, a space where queer lives held hands and shared stories, from laughter to tears, a week-long celebration of resilience and joy. Despite the fleeting nature of our existence, like the short wick of a candle, we found solace in each other’s company, in the shared moments of creativity and expression.
Kevin Mwachiro’s presence was a gift, a glimpse into a possible future where queer lives are celebrated and embraced without fear. His words,
“I would’ve been like you,”
echoed with the weight of shared experiences and unspoken truths. Kevin, a celebrated writer, podcaster, journalist, and activist held the space for the artists as our older generation, Rika. Having met him, we knew that we needed to work together.
A fortnight after the residency, we met up to capture Kevin’s essence on his 51st birthday. There was a sense of purpose and joy in the air. The photographic encounter was a three-hour celebration of life through art.
With Achar’s magical hands-on styling and Kevin’s expressive movements, we were able to capture beautiful moments of playfulness, joy, and so much gratitude.
The Feeling Good Rika opened the door to new connections and pushed my craft into directions that I once hesitated to try, but with community, with encouragement, it all felt possible.