A distinctive artist residency, known as "Quarantine," recently convened on a secluded island in Menorca, Spain. For an entire week, eighty artists, hailing from various corners of the globe, immersed themselves in an intense, technology-free creative journey. This unique program is set within the historic walls of an 18th-century lazaretto, a former quarantine facility. Conceived by artist Carles Gomila, the residency endeavors to propel participants past creative hurdles by subjecting them to a demanding schedule, providing guidance from seasoned mentors, and fostering a shared artistic environment. The experience culminates in a poignant burning ceremony, symbolizing release and transformation.
Artists Embrace Isolation for Creative Rebirth in Menorca
In May 2026, a group of eighty artists from diverse backgrounds, ranging from Slovakia to Argentina and Washington D.C. to Melbourne, embarked on an extraordinary journey to an uninhabited island in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Their destination was the Lazaretto of Mahón, an 18th-century fortress and infirmary, now the unconventional setting for the "Quarantine" artist residency.
The residency, founded by artist Carles Gomila, seeks to liberate artists from creative stagnation. Participants adhere to a rigorous, undisclosed schedule, arriving by boat at 8:30 a.m. and departing no earlier than 9:30 p.m. daily. The use of phones, laptops, and internet-connected devices is strictly prohibited, ensuring complete immersion. This deliberate disruption of routine encourages artists to confront discomfort, discard preconceived notions, and tackle insecurities that might impede their artistic process. This edition's theme, "Tears in Rain," draws inspiration from the poignant monologue in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.
The journey to the lazaretto itself is an undertaking, requiring multiple flights, car travel, and boat rides, highlighting the program's remote and exclusive nature. The application process demands a "leap of faith," challenging artists to surrender control and embrace the program's transformative claims. Testimonials from past participants often speak of profound internal shifts and a renewed sense of purpose.
During the 18th to 20th centuries, the Spanish government mandated a 40-day quarantine on this island for all travelers, or longer if they fell ill. Historical accounts reveal a high mortality rate due to infectious diseases. Today, the double-walled sanatorium is undergoing restoration, with local authorities repairing its crumbling structures and overgrown thistles. Aside from a handful of peacocks and a skeleton crew, the island remains largely uninhabited.
The "Quarantine" program, held annually in April and October, is supported by the local government and the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca. Each session requires a significant logistical effort, with all necessary supplies, including food for eighty participants, transported by boat. Large musical instruments, such as the rare bilas, are even brought over for live performances.
Described as a "mystical bootcamp," Quarantine blends intense communal experiences with profound introspection. Gomila's "Art Lab" workshops are designed to elicit a wide spectrum of emotions, often leading to frustration, confusion, and ultimately, clarity. Many sessions incorporate music and life drawing, featuring self-portraiture or enthusiastic models who fully embrace the creative spirit, often adorned in elaborate costumes and props. Models are considered integral to the creative process, with one architect model noting how the program allowed her to reconnect with a rarely seen aspect of herself.
This sentiment of profound reconnection and renewal resonates with all participants, regardless of their professional background. From video game designers grappling with AI to fine art educators confronting the corporatization of academia, and professionals from tech, finance, and government, individuals seek the Mediterranean island to regain focus, refine their artistic voice, and discover new inspirations.
The program boasts an impressive roster of mentors, including Yuko Shimizu, Martin Wittfooth, Mu Pan, Phil Hale, Yulia Bas, Sean Layh, and Adam Miller. These mentors lead morning masterclasses on diverse topics, from Wittfooth's concept of art as a "spirit artifact" to Shimizu's insights on career transitions. Participants also engage in one-on-one sessions, often delving into personal challenges and the contemporary meaning of being an artist.
The equalizing ethos of Quarantine is central to its success. All completed work is displayed without critique or comparison, emphasizing the process and encouraging low-risk spontaneity and experimentation. The program fosters an environment where artists, regardless of their experience level, feel liberated to explore and grow. The psychological impact is significant, with one Argentine participant expressing surprise at the emotional depth of the experience, despite initial skepticism.
On the final evening, under a canopy of stars, a fire pit appeared beside the well that had marked the beginning of the week. All eighty participants gathered as mentor Bas initiated a ritual, burning a personal letter and artwork. Others followed suit, tossing their creations, sketches, and notes into the flames. This collective act of catharsis saw artists dancing, crying, hugging, and quietly observing their breakthroughs dissolve into ash. The underlying message was that these material objects, these "spirit artifacts," were transient. The true value lay in the process, the shared experience, and the newfound understanding of creativity that transcended any single artwork. Quarantine, through its unique approach, addresses not merely the symptoms of creative blocks but delves into their root causes, fostering a lasting artistic transformation.
The "Quarantine" artist residency offers a compelling model for fostering creativity by deliberately removing participants from the distractions and pressures of modern life. The program's success highlights the importance of discomfort and vulnerability in artistic growth, demonstrating how structured isolation and expert mentorship can lead to profound personal and creative breakthroughs. It challenges conventional notions of artistic development, suggesting that sometimes, the most effective path to innovation lies in letting go of control and embracing the unknown. The communal aspect and the ritualistic burning of artwork serve as powerful metaphors for shedding old patterns and embracing a renewed artistic identity. This initiative truly redefines the boundaries of creative exploration and self-discovery.