The Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (ECADC) is delighted to announce the results of the 2025 open call for the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) two-month artist’s residency in New York. An international jury, including Vita Liberte (VV Foundation), Kari Conte (curator / Senior Advisor, ISCP), and Karin Laansoo (Kai/ECADC) has awarded the grant to Kris Lemsalu.
The jury highly valued Lemsalu’s strong portfolio and upcoming institutional projects. Her constant experimentation with preferred materials in ceramics and boundary-pushing performative work made her a front-runner in a very competitive application round. The ISCP residency will allow the artist to take time to analyze her previous work and develop new ideas, as well as participate in collaborations with New York based art organizations. Kris Lemsalu will introduce and present her practice during the annual ISCP Open Studio event in mid-November. The jury members would also like to highlight the two finalists who stood out with their excellent applications – Mia Tamme and Tõnis Jürgens.
Kris Lemsalu (b. 1985) studied at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Danmarks Designskole in Copenhagen, and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Specializing in ceramics, she experiments with traditional techniques to create multilayered installations. These often feature delicate porcelain sculptures depicting animal or human forms, combined with natural materials like fur, leather, or wool. Her installations can act as self-contained narratives or serve as stages for performances, with the sculptures becoming costumes or props. Recent collaborations with musicians, such as Kyp Malone and Glasser, add a sonic and performative layer to her practice.
Lemsalu’s recent exhibitions include On the Absurd Drama That is Also Life at Moderna Museet (2024); Holly Hell Ooo at Magazin 4 (2024); One Foot in Gravy at Margot Samel (2024); Chará at Belvedere 21 (2024); Donatella at Tartu Art Museum (2024); Rinky Dink Babe at Kendall Koppe, (2022); Angels Gone Pissing at Temnikova & Kasela (2022), Love Stories at Meyer Kainer (2022); A Snail’s Tale with Kyp Malone at High Line Art, New York (2021); It’s a Family Affair with Kyp Malone at Hunt Kastner (2021); Love Song Sing Along (Once Again With Feeling!) at Kai Art Center (2020); Going Going at Den Frie (2020) and Love Song Sing-Along at KW Institute (2020). Lemsalu represented Estonia at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019. Forthcoming shows in 2026 include The City of Paris Museum of Modern Art, Pangée Gallery, FC Francisco Carolinum Linz, and Galerie Meyer Kainer.
The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) supports the creative development of artists and curators, promoting exchange through residencies and public programs. Housed in a former factory building in Brooklyn, ISCP features 35 studios, 2 galleries, and a project space. Since 2015, Marge Monko, Rael Artel, Paul Kuimet, Anu Vahtra, Laura Põld, Mia Raadik, Taavi Suisalu, Helena Keskküla, and Karel Koplimets have participated in the ISCP residency.
The ISCP-ECADC residency will take place between October 1st and November 30th, 2025. This residency is supported by the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center and the Estonian Ministry of Culture.