2024 Monument Lab Residency Artists Miguel Horn and Symone Salib explored belonging and engagement across two distinctive practices in Held: A Monument Lab Residency Exhibition, which was presented at Paradigm Gallery + Studio from December 10, 2024–January 12, 2025. Through the theme of “exchange,” each artist worked with each other, Monument Lab collaborators, and neighborhood partners to explore what it means to create prototype monuments — experimental, smaller-scale versions of big ideas to take with them as they move into the next stage of their public practice.
This exhibition invited audiences to engage with each artwork through acts of physical touch. Whether contributing a written sentiment to Salib’s “The Weight of Patterns” or grasping Horn’s iconic torch in “With Stand | With Hold,” visitors we're encouraged to reflect on their personal histories and engage with art through intimate and dynamic ways.
ABOUT MONUMENT LAB ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The Monument Lab Artist Residency Program launched in 2024 to support emerging public artists in the city of Philadelphia. Through the theme of “exchange,” the program encourages and resources artists to evolve their practice and prepare for future large-scale public art commission opportunities while building stronger relationships within and across the city’s neighborhoods.
Inaugural artists-in-residence Miguel Horn and Symone Salib have been encouraged to experiment with monumental materials and methods; foster neighborhood-based relationships; and join Monument Lab’s growing community of local, national, and transnational monument changemakers. Through this residency, Monument Lab seeks to contribute to the ecosystem of public art practitioners and support emerging artists in growing their bodies of work through place-based relationships.