photo Simon Beckmann

Joya: AiR / Nina Zulian / BRA

‘During my week-long art residency at Joya: AiR, I had the privilege of immersing myself in an extraordinary environment. The whispers of the wind blended harmoniously with the melodious songs of birds, creating a symphony that resonated with the presence of almond and olive trees, as well as vibrant flowers adorning the arid soil. Watching the colourful sunset alongside my fellow residents was an unforgettable memory.

The atmosphere promoted a deep sense of tranquility, encouraging introspection and providing the perfect setting for reading, writing, and deep contemplation.

Aside from the inspiring setting, the unique community of residents who quickly became my close friends made this place even more special. Participating in critical social discussions on various current issues became integral to my daily routine. These interactions were transformative, enriching my experience and expanding my perspectives.

Witnessing Simon's extraordinary artwork was also inspiring, but what impressed me was his unwavering dedication to sustainability. His commitment to creating a space that positively impacted the climate, including the implementation of restoration agriculture and exclusive reliance on renewable solar energy, demonstrated a deep sense of environmental responsibility.

Likewise, the presence of Donna, not only an impressive artist but also a creator of delicious recipes that delighted the senses with captivating aromas and flavors, added an extra layer of beauty to the overall experience.

This artist residency at Joya was truly unforgettable, and I sincerely thank Donna and Simon for creating such a unique and remarkable environment. And also to Yvonne and Frida for contributing to the joyous atmosphere.

Nina Zulian

As the founder of Plural magazine, Nina has spent three years exploring contemporary design, art, and craft. Her passion is to make these fields accessible to everyone and promote a circular model that reimagines waste as a valuable raw material. She creates narratives that highlight the social and historical significance of these practices, encouraging critical thinking and preserving traditional knowledge.
Through Plural magazine, she has connected with creatives and industry professionals worldwide, all committed to driving circularity. Currently, she is enrolled in the International Curatorial Program at the Node Center in Berlin, and she holds a Master's in Editorial Design from ELISAVA in Barcelona. She has recently been invited to serve as a jury member for the second time at Apexart, reviewing over 50 proposals and helped select five exhibitions. In collaboration with The Beach, a social design studio, she is working to empower women in Amsterdam's Osdorp area to achieve economic independence through design and craftsmanship while emphasising the circular economy. As someone who has lived in Canada, Spain, and The Netherlands, she has met many new cultures. With her international perspective, combined with her Brazilian and Italian nationality and current Amsterdam residency, she brings a diverse vision to her curation work.