self portrait for Joya: AiR

“I have a long standing interest in marginal topographies and often use these peripheral environments as a starting point in my work and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to do a residency at Joya: arte + ecología / AiR. 

I had a hugely productive week at JOYA. I divided my time between staying at Los Gázquez (home of Joya: AiR) and exploring the beautiful surrounding hills and forests there, where I had time to contemplate my work in an incredibly serene environment, as well as driving around and exploring the wider Almería province. I documented and explored old mines, quarries and abandoned houses, as well as near empty villages, and wide expanses of desert landscape, all of which will form the background material for two of my current projects. 

The remoteness, ecology and landscape in this part or Spain is really unique and inspiring as an artist and I found Los Gázquez to be the ideal location to gather source material and explore this part of the country. 

The standard of accommodation and food at JOYA was excellent and by far surpassed my expectations. The ecological ethos of Simon and Donna and their use of sustainable and renewable methods of conservation and energy production is also really inspiring. 

The company there was also great with a real sense camaraderie, which led to many great conversations over diner and a great week at Los Gázquez”.

Pascal Ungerer https://www.pascalungerer.com/