Montemero Art Residency is a collaborative project dedicated to sustainable ecology and alternative art production and pursuing to provide a substantial experience and network to artists who are interested in these topics. Being located on a biological reserve near the Tabernas Desert juxtaposed with Almeria’s drought-riddled landscape and history of migrant labor exploitation, the research through the residency seeks to provide perspective into the intersection of ecology and social justice, as well as a space to explore alternative materials and sustainable approaches to art.
My curatorial work focused on inviting artists to engage with the land from a non-extractive and ecological perspective, allowing the terrain itself to become an active voice in the dialogue. Together, we explored how art can respond to environmental fragility through conceptual and material experimentation, often working with locally sourced and biodegradable materials. I contribute to the curation and production of works utilizing local seaweed, soil, animal feces, kombucha SCOBY, site-specific biodegradable sculptures, performative works in tandem with the land, photography series with focus on agriculture-related issues, and more.
The project came to a close following a severe drought, which for me underscored the urgency of ecological limits and the need for responsive, care-driven curatorial practices. Montemero Art Residency continues to inform my approach to working with place, sustainability, and long-term artistic collaboration.
