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. Nine artists are graduating this year from the program.

• Bhen Alan
• Ineke Knudsen
• Scott Lerner
• Lucas Mockler
• Dylan Riley
• Vessna Scheff
• Jingqi (Wang) Steinhiser
• Tala Worrell
• Xingge Zhang

RISD Graduate Admissions

Painting Department