ART RESIDENCY: GENDER ROOTS by wushuSTUDIO

In 2026, Trapani, a picturesque city in Sicily, will become a multi-disciplinary for artistic exploration as it welcomes “Gender Roots,” a unique artist residency program launched by wushuSTUDIO. This initiative promises to be a transformative journey, where twelve contemporary artists will delve into the intricate dialogues surrounding identity, territory, and gender through immersive artistic practices. Curated by the visionary duo of Elena Alaimo and Rosalba Riscatto, this residency invites artists to engage deeply with both the local culture and the global conversations that shape our understanding of gender in today’s world.

”Gender Roots is more than an artist residency.
It is an invitation to rethink identity, territory and gender through contemporary art, here in Trapani.”

– Elena Alaimo

From March to December 2026, 12 international artists will live and work at wushuSTUDIO, creating new works that explore how our cultural, social and personal roots shape who we are. Sculpture, photography, sound, installation and performance will come together in a year-long programme that connects Sicily with the international contemporary art scene.

“Gender Roots” seeks to transform Sicily’s cultural landscape in a laboratory for reimagining belonging and identity. The program recognizes that the roots of identity are complex and influenced by personal experiences and cultural heritage. A collective exhibition that showcases a wide array of artistic expressions—ranging from visual art to installations, photography, sound, and live performances.

wushuSTUDIO was born as an independent cultural space and every project exists thanks to the support of a community that believes in art as a tool for dialogue, research and transformation. If you would like to support this residency and help us make it possible, you can contribute HERE.

A Diverse Collective of Artists

The lineup of artists participating in “Gender Roots” is as diverse as the themes they will explore:

– Luca Ignomeriello (Bari, 2003): Blurring the lines between sculpture and performance, Ignomeriello uses materials like nets and metal frameworks to explore social dynamics and spatial interactions.

– Davide Dalla Valentina (Verona, 2004): His explorations center on personal memory and self-perception, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between aesthetic ideals and deeper meanings.

– Mela: Focused on the interplay of cultural identity and gender expression, Mela’s work will challenge audiences to reconsider their views on belonging.

– Auraiguel (Laura Reyes & Miguel Uribe, Chile): This duo integrates architecture and contemporary art to examine how space influences gender discourse and ecological awareness.

– Francisco Tomás / Rabisco (Portugal, 1992): Using discarded materials, Tomás transforms what society deems as waste into powerful sculptural forms, prompting reflections on beauty and value in everyday life.

– Cecilia De Lazzaro (Italy, 1992): A singer and researcher, De Lazzaro explores sonic archetypes and ecoacoustics, particularly the cultural significance of women’s work songs throughout history.

– Kairigai (Alba Balmaseda, Ines Lechleitner & Kathrin Doppler): This collective merges architecture, choreography, and multisensory practices through a hydrofeminist lens, emphasizing the interconnectedness of gender and nature.

– Viviana Bonura (Palermo, 1999): Bonura employs photography to delve into themes of identity and belonging, exploring the tensions inherent in insularity.

– Rebecca Lena (Italy, 1992): Lena’s innovative works connect visual art, sound, and writing, translating organic movements into drawings and musical notation.

The residency will culminate in a series of exhibitions that will take place throughout the year, showcasing the unique projects developed by each artist. The exhibits opened with Luca Ignomeriello’s work from April 3 to April 25, 2026, and extend through the year, culminating in the final exhibition featuring Rebecca Lena from November 14 to December 14, 2026. Each exhibition will not only display individual artistic visions but will also create a platform for dialogue about the themes of identity and gender in a contemporary context.

As part of the program, wushuSTUDIO is committed to mix local community with international conversations. By inviting the public to witness this evolving dialogue through art, “Gender Roots” aspires to create a dynamic cultural exchange that resonates beyond the confines of the exhibition space.

Founded in Trapani in 2023 by Elena Alaimo, wushuSTUDIO serves as an independent hub for contemporary artistic research and sonic experimentation. It was established as an act of cultural resistance, creating a platform for emerging practices, interdisciplinary collaborations, and site-specific projects. Through residencies, performances, and exhibitions, wushuSTUDIO aims to cultivate a sustainable cultural ecosystem that bridges the local community with international contemporary networks.