The MFA program in Painting emphasizes critical and artistic inquiry through the evolution of a rigorous studio practice. While a shared passion for the history and craft of painting binds the department together, we emphasize a critical interrogation of the colonialist history of the medium and its often fraught cultural milieus. The program is committed to supporting each student in developing a specific vision for their work amongst an interdisciplinary discursive environment. During the two years at RISD, graduate students undertake serious investigations of the wide-ranging possibilities presented by contemporary painting. Ten artists graduate each year from the program.