Istituto Marangoni Firenze is proud to announce that Mexican alumna Jessica García Corral, a graduate in Multimedia Arts, recently completed her experience at the prestigious “Intermix Residency | Art & Fashion Reimagined.” This unique residency program, promoted by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission in collaboration with the Fashion Commission, is held at Riyadh's historic Ad Diriyah district—a culturally rich setting that provides an inspiring environment for creative immersion.

The residency is a fully funded, multi-phase program designed for emerging and established talents in visual arts, fashion, and curatorship, offering participants the opportunity to explore, experiment, and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment. Each cycle of the residency lasts ten weeks and welcomes fifteen residents of diverse nationalities and specialisations, fostering a dynamic space where art and fashion blend into a vibrant creative community. Participants have access to dedicated spaces and resources to develop personal or collaborative projects, with the aim of enhancing their skills and creating innovative works.

Jessica’s journey in the Intermix Residency was guided by Istituto Marangoni Firenze professor Giacomo Raffaelli, who has been mentoring artists and designers in residence for the past year. He shared, “Over the course of three residency cycles, I had the chance to work with 45 artists and creatives from around the world. I closely observed the evolution of their projects, sharing production methods along with technical and theoretical tools, particularly in relation to the residency's central theme—sustainability.”

Professor Raffaelli also advises residents on portfolio optimisation and effective storytelling for their work. “I encouraged Jessica García Corral to apply to Intermix as her profile seemed to align perfectly with the program’s objectives. Her artistic language explores the intersections of art, fashion, design, and technology, with a focus on transforming materials—especially textiles—through her personal experiences.”

As Jessica’s professor from her first year, Raffaelli observed her artistic growth and her ability to work independently while engaging with new and unexplored contexts—qualities that are essential for a residency in a culturally diverse environment.

Jessica participated in the third cycle of the residency, which focused on the contemporary reinterpretation of Saudi textile traditions. Her sculptural installation explores themes of personal growth and cultural memory, incorporating a unique blend of local materials and found objects that evoke the metaphor of a “garden of knowledge and cemetery of memories.” This original artistic vision unites Saudi textile traditions with multicultural influences, reflecting a global context.

Jessica García Corral exemplifies the talent that Istituto Marangoni Firenze strives to support and elevate. Through the Intermix Residency, she had the opportunity to explore new artistic perspectives, blending tradition and innovation in a work that combines local elements with global visions. This journey reflects Istituto Marangoni’s commitment to providing students and alumni with a wide array of interdisciplinary opportunities, both in academic settings and through international collaborations. Istituto Marangoni Firenze continues to serve as a launchpad for new talent, helping them build unique and successful careers in the fields of art and fashion.

View gallery

Intermix Residency • Jessica Garcia Corral