Joya: AiR / Fleur Moerenhout / NED
photo Tessa Roosenstein
‘Being two weeks in the Joya: Air residency felt like a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. Literally because you are surrounded by kilometers of raw nature. (I think I have never seen so few cars in 2 weeks’ time.) Figuratively because it was so refreshing to be in another environment for 2 weeks and spending so much time on your creative practice.
The project I worked on is about reconnecting to nature and reconnecting to the natural/wild characteristics in ourselves, and what other place is better to experiment with that than Joya: AiR?
I am still at the beginning of this project, so felt the need to experiment and be playful with this theme. At Joya I got the time and space to do that. The natural park of Vélez Blanco in which Joya is located, felt like a wonderful playground.
I collected rocks and soil to make natural pigments, I tried making land art, I added some embroidery work in the 'Barranco’ and experimented with doing a performance that is inviting to experience and feel nature instead of just seeing it.
All of this, and all the walks, the chitchats, and games I shared with the other artists and, not to forget, the enjoyment of Spanish January sun gave me a new perspective. A refreshing new direction for my project and life in general. Thanks to Simon and Donna for hosting such a beautiful and special place’!