Joya: AiR / Katrien Simons / NED

"It was amazing having two full weeks to focus on my practice; to work, explore, be, experiment and dive into details. To let nature and the land guide me, letting go of expectations and just surrender to what’s around. To wander the area as if I were a child again. Touching, feeling, singing to the land, the dried up river and the trees. Exploring, doing fieldwork, and connecting with the somewhat surreal landscape.

Then taking things into the studio and just play and experiment the rest of the day with materials from around. Telling me stories of the past, containing memories in paper. Teaching me about the Spanish land but also about me as an artist, my patterns, my ways..

I loved how quiet it was. And that you can wander for hours without running into a single person but instead encounter a family of wild boars.

Simon and Donna have created such a special place. I'm very thankful for the beautiful time at Joya: AiR with all the other wonderful and inspiring artists. Following each others dance moves underneath the stars on the last night topped it off :D"

Katrien Simons / instagram @katrienspuppets

Simon Beckmann6 December 2023