Rhode Island School of Design (@risd1877.bsky.social)

It Starts with a Question — María Magdalena Campos-Pons interviewed by Crystal Williams Multidisciplinary artist, 2025 Honorary Degree recipient, and MacArthur “genius grant” awardee María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s work is deeply autobiographical. She explores notions of history, memory, gender, and religion and how each informs who we are. In the latest episode of “It Starts with a Question,” she and President Crystal Williams have a wide ranging discussion about the role of art and artists in the world. What is “It Starts with a Question?” This video series features President Williams in conversation with thought leaders, art and design luminaries, alumni, and other friends of RISD discussing what shapes how they live in and experience the world. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 01:50 - Interview begins 03:04 - On this moment in history 07:01 - On finding your center 20:38 - "Somos la mesma cosa" 26:26 - On forgiveness and repair 39:07 - Consideration of the other 43:01 - Interview ends 43:12 - Outro CREDITS Host: President Crystal Williams, RISD Guest: María Magdalena Campos-Pons Project Team: Deborah Bowen, Sofiya Cabalquinto, Iyana Martin Diaz, James Jones, J Kimball, Kaylee Pugliese, Lauren Maas, Danielle Mancuso, Jaime Marland, Lee Ann Norman, Shana Vanderweele Ortman, Alex Pizzuti, Samantha Sartori Photo credits: Freedom Trap (2013). Polaroid Polacolor Pro photograph, 24 x 20 inches (60.96 x 50.8 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. Portrait of María Magdalena Campos-Pons. © John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation–used with permission. Finding Balance (2015). Polaroid Polacolor Pro 96 x 140 inches (243.8 x 355.6 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. The House (2013). Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 photographs, diptych, 24 x 20 inches (60.96 x 50.8 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. The Truth Doesn't Kill You (La Verdad No Mata) (1991). Marble base, wood, nails, hatchet, glass, and wire, 93 x 71 x 4 inches (236.22 x 180.34 x 10.16 cm). Image courtesy of the artist. Constellation (2015). Composition of 16, Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 inches per photograph (60.96 x 50.8 cm per photograph). Image courtesy of the artist. Nesting III (2000). Composition of 4, Polaroid Polacolor Pro 24 x 20 in photographs, 32 1/4 x 56 inches each (81.92 x 142.24 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. Secrets of the Magnolia Tree. Bernice (2022). Mixed media: archival digital inkjet prints, watercolor, ink, gouache, gum arabic on Rives BFK archive paper, 132 5/16 x 30 inches each (336.07 x 76.2 cm each). Image courtesy of the artist. Performance, Cuban Pavilion, Venice Biennale. San Marco, Venice, Italy (2013). Performance. Image courtesy of the artist. Installation view, “Matanzas Sound Map,” Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), Athens, Greece (2017). Sound and sculptural installation, Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), documenta 14, Athens. Photo by Angelos Giotopoulos. Image courtesy of the artist. Installation View, “Alchemy of the Soul: María Magdalena Campos-Pons,” Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, 2016. January 9–April 3, 2016. Image courtesy of the artist. When We Gather (2022). Text on Arches Cover Cream, Epson Premium Luster at 20 x 30 photograph, 21 x 31 inches (53.34 x 78.74 cm). Edition of 10 with 2 APs. Photo by Tommy Oliver. Image courtesy of the artist.. https://bit.ly/404beb9