A regular day at Arthouse Pani. Knut Pani wanted his father’s car vertically, why not?

I have been in Mexico since April 30th. The reason is the fantastic art residence Arthouse Pani. For the people who do not know what a residency is, I will explain it briefly. If you are an artist or otherwise artistic you can sign up for one of these types of locations, all over the world. They are often special places (for example an empty castle, madhouse or bunker) where there are work spaces and sleeping accommodation. This way you can get a taste of a different culture and translate it directly into new work. Arthouse Pani is a private residence located in the picturesque village of Tequisquiapan, three hours north of Mexico City.

I can already reveal the conclusion of this piece. If you are reading this and you are an adventurous artist, I highly recommend putting money aside and submitting an application as soon as possible. On the website, this place is totally under-sold. In reality this place is magical, it facilitates and inspires beyond your wildest dreams. Learn some Spanish and soak yourself in the hot tub called Mexico. Invest in yourself in the most fun way possible. Keep in mind that you can get rejected, but that is part of our occupation.

The residence came to my attention when I met Santiago Pani at his art farm in Leiden (Arthouse Holland). Coincidentally, I had been dreaming of residency in Mexico for years. This is the fourth time that I have been able to visit this country, and once again the sights, sounds, tastes, and overall culture of Mexico ensured that I am inspired out of my mind. So Santiago tells me, while we drink a mezcal, that his parents are converting their estate into a residency for artists. I can't believe my luck.

Fuck it. I sign up without thinking too much. I am welcome, reads the response. Not long after I have my Airline ticket in the pocket. It feels good to be at Schiphol Airport around the end of a pandemic. It's pretty quiet but I don't feel too guilty about flying. After all, an artists’ trip is crucial.

Winner of: Cutest tree contest 2021 (if it were up to me). Tequisquiapan - Mexico.

When I arrive in Mexico City I can smell that I am in another country, you know? I take the bus to No Es Una Galeria (This Is No Gallery). This is a non-gallery owned by a friend of Santiago named Ricardo Santos. I got to crash a few nights with him and his roommate Mario Gildardo. When I arrive at the gallery I have to bang on this metal door with a lasered skull on it. Very underground, I love it. When I walk in I cannot believe my eyes. A party! The Netherlands was still in lockdown, so I was not used to these crowds. About thirty people were partying here. In the dark, black-lit room there was live techno, a mezcal bar and a nude model with wolf mask painted by an also-masked artist. Not a bad start to the trip.

From Thursday to Friday we continuously enjoyed art week Mexico, gallery visits and bizarre parties until late at night. Ricardo and Mario introduced me to their entire artists collective. They are all special people to whom I could devote four more paragraphs, but I will not do that. I can tell these people are working their asses off and fighting for each other. When one of them becomes ill, the other artist organize exhibitions and auctions to pay for their bills and hospital costs. They are each other's insurance. There are no subsidies or government assistance, which ensures that these artists have to become soldiers. They tell me: lose your ego, and fight together for what you want to achieve.

Knut (left) and Mario (right) working with some mezcal support.

On to Tequisquapan. I arrived around noon. The doors of art heaven are opening. I had already seen some pictures but they did no justice to what I found as I walked in. Through the big rusted steel doors lies a bright green garden with wildflowers, cacti, hummingbirds and gigantic works of art. I get a tour from Carla, the lady of house Pani. “I'm going to show you everything, but you look like you could use some food, so sit back. Do you want beer, wine or something stronger? ” I like her already. Now the tour. Because the man of the house (Knut Pani) himself is an established artist he has workshops that come fully equipped. There is a metal and wood workshop, a graphics workshop, several painting studios and a ceramic workshop on the way. He even knows a blacksmith who can laser huge metal statues for you. Nothing is impossible.

The bedroom and communal kitchen are beautifully decorated in a Mediterranean-Mexican style, stocked with books, art, and every kitchen utensil you could need. In the sculpture garden there are several terraces and places where you can dive into a hammock. At the moment it is the start of the rainy season but during the day it is about thirty degrees and it usually rains in the late afternoon and into the night. The rain may sound like a setback but for me it promotes concentration.

This is me at the printmaking press. Working the wheel.

The first day that I go to work in the graphics workshop. I'm sitting there with Walker Payne, one of my three co-residents, when the man of the house, Knut, walks in, happy to see us. He has this very nice energy to have around you: "Shall I teach you how to etch guys?" In an afternoon he teaches us how to set up an etching with all the chemicals you need. He explains everything patiently and seems to enjoy it. In the first week I already made three etchings and a wooden sculpture, which would never have been possible without the help of a professional. When the clock strikes twelve, he pours us both a beer with tomato juice (common in Mexico). While dancing and smoking a cigar he juggles with the different techniques as if it were effortless. How he works is exactly what I want around me during my creative process. Not complicated, no whining, but with gayness in everything he does. Having fun in the act of making art.

Lunch is usually ready around three o'clock (technically not included so don’t assume it’s there all the time). We eat the lovely dishes that Carla has prepared: tostadas, sopes, aztec lasagna and more. Additionally Mexico is known for its delicious yet unhealthy street food. This is abundantly available for dinner, but breakfast and lunch are fresh and healthy. In the evening we often go into the bustling village to score tacos, tortas or other treats. There are also nice bars just a stone's throw away. It is absolutely safe and peaceful here. Latin America can sometimes feel tense when you walk down the street with expensive items or in the dark, but here in the small town of Tequis I’ve never felt more safe. If you're looking for whimsicality, it can be found here too. The side streets of the village are built crisscrossing one another. Cacti grow through abandoned shacks. With a bit of luck you will see a rattlesnake or a scorpion. In addition, the storms also give beautiful skies and light shows. For inspiration, this is a great place. If you're out of inspiration here, it's your fault. Period.

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If everything goes as planned, there will be an exhibition in Museo de Arte Querétaro and an exhibition in No Es Una Galeria. That was exactly what I hoped but which I did not dare to assume. The purpose of this residency was to take a step as an artist internationally and with the help of Ricardo and Knut I think I’m well on my way.

Four and a half weeks to go. Who knows what great adventures are still lurking. Thursday horseback riding bye

Thank you Arthouse Pani, Santiago and Manon. Thanks to Walker Payne for the translation.