Applications are now closed for Quarantine Events’ final 2024 programme on Lazaretto Island in Menorca, and while they prepare for the incredible October 2024 INTERZONE, Carles Gomila and the team are already finalizing details for their first 2025 adventure. Their week-long workshop in 2025 promises to be both unique and exhilarating, heavily inspired from the timeless wisdom of “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri. Delving into multiple explorations of the core principles and philosophies encapsulated within this influential book, The Art Spirit event will unveil a transformative one-week experience that blends artistic technique with profound personal insight.

Schools and workshops all focus on “HOW to make art?”. They teach you techniques to make you great. Cool. No complaints here -they’re not the villains.

But no-one asks the big question: “WHY do you make art?”

Robert Henri tackles this in “The Art Spirit,” and so do we. It’s the tough question everyone dodges, but it’s key to being a real, free artist.

Carles Gomila, Artist & Quarantine Events Director

“The Art Spirit,” first published in 1923, is more than just a guide on painting; it is a passionate manifesto on the nature of creativity, art, and the artist’s place in the world. This holistic book has become a bible to many creatives over the decades, including Issue 033 cover artist Jeremy Mann – so much so, that he has agreed to return as a mentor at Quarantine Events to share his own lived-in practices of Robert Henri’s significant teachings.

A great panacea to the troubles which plague mankind

“This book helps put our doubts and wonders, the feelings all artists have across many mediums, into words – and spits it back at you with a smack to the senses. It wakes you up… and could be read daily like the vespers of religions,” muses Jeremy. “While I draw my mentalities from many such great books, and there are many other inspiring books akin to this one, Henri’s vision captured in his writings and other’s notes on his teachings make complete sense to me.”

In-line with Quarantine Events’ ethos of breaking down limitations instigated by the traditional Teacher-Student relationship, mentors for this event won’t be teaching the “right way” to be an artist. For Quarantine Events, there is no such thing.

Their week-long programmes celebrate individual creativity, as such working in perfect harmony with “The Art Spirit” publication. Jeremy agrees: “Luckily, we’re not some sort of prophets preaching this one man’s words, rather it’s an affinity for the philosophy as is interpreted through each of our own completely different experiences. Guidance comes best from those who know their subject and are willing to be honest about every aspect, so I will draw my confidence from that, and be honest no matter how stupid my doubts tell me I could be. I will be doing my best to light those little fires of the art spirit under the asses of all who attend; a little light to carry onward!”

The Art Spirit is like the field guide to all wandering lost souls. Much underappreciated in my opinion, but good in the sense that it remains cherished by those who actually take the time to read to better themselves.

When I read it for the first time… and I’ve read it many, many, times (and each time is the first time)… I always feel the same: I’ve been lost, and these words open my eyes instantly.

I knew I was misled, misplaced and confused, with a general “can’t put my finger on it – what’s wrong here” state of being in this world I find myself, and the words in this book sound like the soothing comforts of a trusted grandfather, calming my nerves, showing me a truth I was overlooking, and inspiring me to continue the beautiful struggle, and most importantly: to appreciate it.

Jeremy Mann, Mentor at Quarantine Events

The Art Spirit 2025 event

 Robert Henri’s Boot Camp

 Dates: April 7 – 13, 2025

 Deadline to apply: December 31, 2024

The Art Spirit Mentors:

Michael Hussar

Jeremy Mann

James McCrae

Nadezda

Sainer

Martin Wittfooth

Each guest mentor on The Art Spirit programme will be overseeing their own boot camp, guiding participants through the book’s philosophy from different perspectives. The approach aims to allow a much deeper expansion of each participant’s mind, allowing every participating artist to come to their own conclusions and access the knowledge and practices shown to them to best support their individual pathways forward. “A multifaceted individual is a golden-handed genius of potential uniqueness.” Says Jeremy Mann. “Usually, you get one teacher who stunts and directs a path. Here, the beauty is that in the end, the attendees will be exposed to multiple viewpoints and in the aftermath, they will digest it how best fits their own life compass.”

Learn more about The Art Spirit 2025 event here

In keeping with the book itself, Jeremy will be focusing on “neither, and both [Henri’s] philosophy and practices, giving neither more importance than the other”. The aim will be to instill the concept of balance in all forms of experience within the formula for ‘successes’. “And of course, I will be sharing in no logical order… just like the book!” he shares with a mischievous grin.

While this may sound a little chaotic – because it is – it’s important to note that chaos isn’t the enemy of progress. Jeremy is confident that his approach will help the attendees best: “Maybe my favourite facet of the book is, as many who’ve recommended it have said, ‘you can open to just about any page, start reading anywhere’.”

Because it’s not about steps to an end. It’s about an open-ended lifestyle, about forming your life into a fully inspiring and creative experience. What results from living this way, is art.

Jeremy Mann, Mentor at Quarantine Events

The evolution of Quarantine Events

The Quarantine Events team are an ever-evolving hub, working with feedback and pushing boundaries to continue their goal in helping artists to truly flourish. As such, The Art Spirit 2025 event will include some new ideas and challenges for the next batch of brave artists signing up to experience Lazaretto Island. Similarly, mentors such as Jeremy Mann and Michael Hussar will continue to bring their own ever-evolving experiences to the table:

“As I grow, so do my teachings and experiences at workshops. Mostly because I learn more about what I could say or do to actually help artists, instead of a clearer idea of what I myself am doing. But the path and pathways, their interconnections, the deeper meaning, the bigger pictures to all I’ve been through as an artist which have guided my own experience of life: I’m learning how to translate into experiences that will help artists guide their own journey into more wondrous directions of their choosing.

“That will be the most important thing I wish to focus on at this edition of Quarantine. Helping the attendees awaken to their potential and giving them enough of a kick in the ass to develop their own confidence to choose their creative life, not let the world of others choose it for them.”

Still unsure?

In-line with past events, Quarantine Events are notoriously secretive, never unveiling the full timetable and keeping what happens on the island, on the island. One thing they can share is that whether you are a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, their workshops will provide invaluable insights and inspiration to propel your artistic practice to new heights.

Jumping into the unknown can be daunting, and for those of you who are still unsure, Jeremy has some parting thoughts to consider about what you can expect…

“In some of my dreams, I live in a quarantine world. It’s pure heaven to me there… The site itself is enough to wobble the knees. Creative sproutings from the grounds of a twisted history. No phones, no bullshit, no ego, a mental hospital for the art spirits, a cleansing retreat for world weary souls which can rekindle the fire of life in the hearts of those in need. It can’t solve your problems; it can however present you with the right ones to pursue.”

For more information and to apply to join The Art Spirit 2025 programme, check out Quarantine Events website. Be sure to also sign up to their newsletter to receive further updates!

Quarantine Social Media Accounts + additional blogs

Website | Instagram | Telegram  | Fire Walk With Me article | Deep Dive into Quarantine Events

The post Celebrating Quarantine Events’ “The Art Spirit”: What results from living this way, is art. appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

WOW is the world’s leading wearable art competition, inviting designers and creators from around the globe to challenge the conventional, create the unimaginable, defy creative expectations and enchant the world with an extraordinary garment.

Held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara in Wellington, New Zealand, finalists’ works of art have been coming to life in the spectacular annual WOW show for over 35 years. Attracting audiences of around 60,000 people, the designers often share a common value – the desire to push the limits of imagination and medium.

To see their vision come to life on stage through world class performance at the World of Wearableart Show is incredibly rewarding and often emotional for WOW designers. The creative team and models pour immense passion and care into understanding the garments, their inspiration, and stories.

WOW was born from the idea of taking art off the wall and onto the moving body, and we see that year after year in the entries – both in terms of the visually striking and the important storytelling. We can’t wait to see what comes through for 2024.

Sarah Nathan, WOW Head of Competition

Why enter?

As well as a total prize pool of over $185,000 (NZD), the World of Wearableart Competition offers the chance to access a Designer Development Award for future artistic growth, or an exclusive internship with global design company, Wētā Workshop (Wellington, New Zealand).

WOW also provides wearable art creatives and designers a platform to experiment with new
techniques and technologies and build on professional portfolios of creative work.

When entering, designers become part of an international design community like no other and have the opportunity to have their work exhibited alongside other incredible designers and artists from around the world, to an emphatic audience of around 60,000 wearable art fans.

World of Wearableart is a unique competition and platform to showcase your creativity, while also connecting with hundreds of other like-minded individuals.

“We’ve just finished hosting more than 100 finalists from all over the world for the 2023 WOW Awards and we had such incredible feedback about their time here, connecting with like-minds who share their passion for wearable art and creativity.” explains Sarah Nathan, WOW Head of Competition.

The Competition is internationally renowned, and each year attracts entries from more than 40 countries. Whether you’re entering to design free from commercial restraints, to add to your student portfolio, or to push the limits of your imagination, the WOW Awards Competition offers a truly unique creative outlet. 

Six different worlds to consider

To inspire designers when entering, there are six section themes or ‘worlds’ to consider. This
includes three recurring sections: Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open, and three new sections:
Natural World, Geometric Abstraction, and Crazy Curiosities of the Creature Carnival that are unique to 2024.

For more details on each of the themes, click here.

Fundamental to the WOW Competition is the principle that anyone can enter, and anyone can win.

While entrees must be 18 or over, there are very little other limitations in regards to who can enter. Competition finalists are determined through a closed-judging process where the judges are presented with the garment name and inspiration; however, the designer’s details and background experience are not disclosed, allowing the work to be considered solely on its own merit.

Anything that is wearable art can find a place on the stage, as long as it is original, innovative, and beautifully made. 

Read the full list of competition rules here.

How to enter

It is strongly recommended that creatives check out all of the information over on the World of WearableArt website and take note of the key dates available.

Interested designers can then begin their World of WearableArt journey right now by creating a WOW designer profile.

Deadlines: the international design community have until 1 March 2024 and New Zealand designers have until 1 May 2024 to complete their garments and online submission.

Be part of the World of WearableArt!

When you enter the WOW competition, you become part of an international design community like no other. You have the opportunity to have your work exhibited alongside other incredible designers and artists from around the world! 

With the 2024 World of WearableArt Competition calling for creatives, we can’t wait to see who enters for the 2024 event.

World of WearableArt Social Media Accounts

Website | WOW Designer Profile | Instagram | Facebook

The post Entries Open for the 2024 World of WearableArt Competition appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Here, we dive into the origins of Quarantine Events and their debut event: the Muse Hacking Program.

Quarantine Events: a new beginning

It began with the simple discovery of Lazaretto Island, “a magical, undiscovered gem not yet open to the public” describes Carles Gomila, the founder and organiser of Quarantine Events. “That’s when I started Menorca Pulsar, an art retreat with an international reputation for holding painting workshops. Despite our success, I noticed many of our clients were more interested in copying their favorite artist’s style rather than exploring their own creativity.”

Creativity doesn’t replicate – it innovates, it creates. So, I began designing more disruptive programs, distancing from artistic tourism.

Carles Gomila, the founder and organiser of Quarantine Events

“Being a lucid dream practitioner, I draw inspiration from the dream world – what happens in my head when I’m not overthinking. Over four years, I had three dreams about an “art society” and Lazaretto, which led me to create the Quarantine project: a kind of Tortuga Island for artists, fostering camaraderie and self-discovery while repelling the art tourist. Quarantine aimed to question the artistic process and transform our way of creating. I was eager to share this excitement with artists from all over the world, building a haven where progress could be made without judgment or competition.”

Despite the initial lack of support, Carles’ persistence finally paid off. Postponed due to the global quarantine of COVID-19, the 2020 event finally took place in April 2023.

They told me Quarantine was impossible, improbable. But hey, it worked. Six mentors guiding a hundred artists on a double island… it was worth the gamble. Like a painting, art always finds its way. A week later, the whole experience feels like it belongs in the dream world; a dream I definitely want to return to. Now, this dream also belongs to 100 other artists.

Carles Gomila, the founder and organiser of Quarantine Events

A Program Built on Emotional, not Academic, Structure

Aware of Quarantine Event’s focus on emotion as a pillar over academic learning, another key factor was the secrecy shrouded over the program details itself. Applicants for the Muse Hacking program were only given a guide on what to expect, and this guide focused primarily on overarching concepts and forewarnings of shake-ups. This certainly leaned into their focus on “chaos” and cemented the foundation that artists applying must trust the process.

Trust, conviction, and chaos: a concoction made especially for those who are seeking guidance outside of the box. I was interested to learn more about how chaos became the glue within Quarantine’s design process. Carles smiles:

“We infuse doses of chaos into [Quarantine Events] by introducing randomness into the program’s execution to encourage organic emergence of unforeseen situations and “happy accidents” – it’s like painting an artwork. We even have people whose job is to create bits of chaos and improvisation, shaking up rigid, predictable structures. This doesn’t just add dynamism to the event but challenges us as an organization. We want to take the lead in showing open-mindedness.”

Jeremy Mann was one of April’s specially selected mentors. Months later, the effect of the experience is still deeply imprinted: “We wanted to inspire the attendees to blaze their own trail with determination and understanding, and I’m pretty sure we lit quite a fire under all their butts, even my own!” he grins. “That’s the great thing about the Quarantine event; even I myself got a face smack of inspiration from the attendees and mentors alike!”

The open-hearted honesty is what is necessary, it humbles and rebuilds our own lives much like creating any work of art. For that you need to be safe, and there was no better place for artistic heartfelt safety than isolated on an island without the constant mental disruptions of the outside world.

Jeremy Mann, Muse Hacking Program mentor, Quarantine Events

Carles’ aim in keeping the program secret beforehand was to enable a spontaneous creative response to facilitate each artists’ growth. “Here’s the twist,” he explains, “Quarantine challenges the toxic thinking of expecting solutions in exchange for money, instead of effort. Inspired by the stoics, participants accept that longing for the right problems is the solution. We didn’t want this project to look like another damn school with pre-set steps to reach applause-worthy, measurable goals.”

Unequivocally, the project was not.

The Muse Hacking program

The Muse Hacking program was an intense and challenging week for the Quarantine Events team and its artists. Participants worked for more than 12 hours a day, facing challenges, questions, masterclasses, and private mentorships. (For those interested in learning more about the details of this event and the mentoring structure, click here.)

The aim of this program was to transform participants. “And it happened!” Carles shares, “But more profoundly than expected. It impacted not only the participants but also the mentoring artists and even the organizers. Even one of our artistic models began questioning his profession and life approach.”

The experience of Quarantine was one of a kind, truly special. The depth of thought and sincerity of heart Carles and his amazing team put into it was evident in every detail of the event: how it looked, its schedule, but most importantly – how it felt.

Nadezda, Muse Hacking Program mentor, Quarantine Events

Nadezda was one of the mentors for April’s edition, who taught a workshop together with Jeremy Mann. Interestingly, they were as blown away with the location itself, which proved to be the perfect spot for Quarantine Event’s vision:

“Lazaretto Island, where the workshop took place, is a private green sun-bathed island with old ancient buildings, which used to be a sailors isolation hospital a few hundred years ago.” Shares Nadezda. “Most of the structures are intact and well maintained – that’s where our workshops took place. Every instructor had a room big enough to work together with a group of eighteen artists, who came to the event from all four corners of the globe. The main building acted as the master class and lecture point, as well as a coffee fuel station, where we also met all happy and exhausted for an evening session of discussions.

“On the island one could find plenty of poetic peaceful outdoor places when looking for a place to sit alone and think, write, paint, meditate or simply enjoy the sounds of nature in-between intense classes. From the top of the water tower one can see the whole compound with its solitary corners, strange, dreamy passages and points of gatherings, where the attendees and the instructors painted, shared their meals, listened to live music or just had quiet conversations about art and life.”

Vulnus Opem Feret – Strength in Vulnerability

“Vulnus Opem Feret,” Quarantine Event’s motto, translates to “the wound will help”. It can be interpreted in various ways – all pointing to the same idea: Art arises from vulnerability.

While this concept may seem disconcerting at first, Carles is confident in its ability to positively transform and help artists. “The metaphor suggests how suffering or adversity can be sources of inspiration. At the end of the April edition, three participants got our logo and motto tattooed, understanding that the artwork is born from the wound, from vulnerability. They discovered that for an artist, vulnerability is the key to hacking the muses. While some works may seem effortless, nothing in the art world comes easily.

“There’s a price to pay to be a good artist, and the first toll is realizing we are our vulnerabilities. We’re not artists because we’re perfect, but precisely because we’re not: our imperfections and our ability to transform them into art make us artists.”

There’s something about this island, where the silence of its walls, intense work, technological detox, and immersion in an artist community free of academic expectations, create an altered state of consciousness. I’m proud of everything that occurred on Lazaretto during that exhausting week.

Carles Gomila, the founder and organiser of Quarantine Events

The role of rituals

Quarantine Events a non-conventional environment is additionally full of meaningful symbols and rituals. Alongside their ethos of “tech detox” (mobile phone access is banned), rituals allowed attendees to detach from the familiar and “see their art, their education, and sometimes, their own lives from a new perspective”.

“The exercises [Jeremy Mann and I] shared with the attendees were intense and creatively demanding, but we were grateful to our group for trusting us and sticking with the schedule.” Nadezda explains. “Plein air painting the sunset – chasing the fleeting beauty of the setting sun with brushes; exploration of the world within through drawing, painting, writing and collage, and many-many more activities. These exercises opened up the angle of view for every person’s individual creativity and each of them took their discoveries for further development to their home studios. Artistic transformation is a life-long process – and Quarantine Events accommodated fertile ground for its nurture and development.”

Each of the six mentors had their own processes as part of the Muse Hacking program, leaning into different focal points and perspectives. However, all participants also enjoyed collective rituals to strengthen the feeling of connection and community.

April’s Quarantine Events may be over, but this is just the beginning

“I have received several personal emails from some of our attendees who are finding themselves released from a world of doubt that had built like a plaque around their minds.” Shares Jeremy Mann in his recent newsletter covering the Quarantine Events residency. “In a sense, they have begun to grab the reigns of their own lifestyle and conditioning their approach to life to better match their artistic desires… to tune the mind so their soul sings in harmony with their dreams. It’s not easy, and the road is fraught with difficulties as we all know […] That’s bravery. To see life for what it is so that you can be the artist you want to be without fear. I hear that in the words they wrote to me and told us at the event… and now even months later…”

If you interested in starting your own transformative journey as a creative, the time is now. The Muse Hacking program may be over, but Quarantine Events have a new upcoming residency this October: Fire Walk With Me!

Fire Walk With Me

Dates: October 16^th – 22^nd, 2023

The next Quarantine Events program features Kirsten Anderson, Lita Cabellut, Vincent Desiderio, Ryan Heshka, Miles Johnston, Guillermo Lorca and Martin Wittfooth as Quarantine’s incredible mentors. For more information on this journey and how to apply, click here.

Quarantine Events Social Media Accounts

Website | Instagram | Telegram | Muse Hacking Program participant feedback

The post Quarantine Events: a deep dive into their transformative artist residencies shaking up the creative soul appeared first on Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.