Andorran Artist Àlex Rispal Completes South African Residency with *What Holds?* Exhibition

Andorran artist Àlex Rispal recently completed a month-long residency in Swartland, South Africa, funded by a government scholarship, where he produced and exhibited new work under the title *What Holds?*.

Rispal, who now lives in Madrid, described the residency as a chance to step outside his comfort zone. His practice explores distortions of reality through painting, light, and photosensitive materials, often using a cameraless analogue technique called chemigram. This involves direct contact printing on photosensitive paper to capture silhouettes and textures, followed by painting with chemicals and local light sources.

The idea for the trip emerged while working on a nature-themed piece in his studio. "I reached a point where I wanted to go to the source," he said. Spotting the Andorran government's call for residency applications on Instagram, he applied and was the sole candidate for the €10,000 fund, which allocated up to €3,300 per artist. All production took place on-site, blending South African natural elements—such as local materials for sculptures—with his experimental approach.

Rispal praised the artistic outcome, noting significant maturation in his work and personal growth from the experience. Locally, the exhibition drew interest despite challenges: South Africa's organic art scene sometimes struggled to grasp his abstract methods.

While acknowledging various institutional residencies abroad, Rispal pointed to limited budgets for Andorran artists. He moved to Madrid four years ago for professional reasons, having felt constrained as a photographer in Andorra. The city offered greater visibility and access to the art market, allowing him to focus on creative pursuits.

Looking ahead, Rispal is developing large-scale contemporary ecclesiastical altarpieces, among other projects.