We spoke to the 2025 Don Bachardy Fellow, Chilean artist, Sebastián Riffo Valdebenito about his experience on the programme.
The Don Bachardy Fellowship invites a talented post-graduate artists from outside the UK to spend the Summer Term at the School, working alongside our Drawing Year students to immerse themselves in London's art scene. Named after Californian portrait painter Don Bachardy, the fellowship supports emerging artists and nurtures drawing as a foundational skill. Past recipients have travelled from the US, Syria, Chile, and Brazil.
During his time at the Shoreditch campus, Sebastián explored new ways of relating to environments and physical spaces through observational drawing. All the while absorbing inspiration from London's parks, museums, our studios, and the creative energy of East London.
Here, we learn area bout the experiences, insights, and inspirations that shaped his practice and creative development on the programme.
How has the time you spent at the Royal Drawing School influenced you and your work?
Travelling from Chile to the UK was a big change in my life and in my practice. London is a fascinating city, full of history, museums, galleries, and culture. Living there was very inspiring.
At the School, I found a pause in my work, and I could see drawing again as a space for research and reflection. It was a time to experiment with materials, to observe more carefully, and to give new energy to my relationship to landscape, daily life, and imagination. Being with a community of artists from different backgrounds also enriched me. It created news ways of understanding drawing in dialogue with other disciplines.
What are some highlights of the residency?
The program was very complete, and I keep many moments with care: drawing outdoors in parks and gardens, working in museums like the National Gallery or the British Museum, and also time in the SPACE studios. Some of the most special experiences were life drawing sessions, sharing silence and concentration with artists from different places. I also remember my walks in London with my sketchbook, drawing in public spaces and museums. These moments helped me connect my practice with art history and with the living energy of the city.
