What the artists say
We asked all the artists who visited for the favorite things (about the island, to do when you are around or to listen to or read). Here is what they say.
Wannes Cools (2023)
Visit
Casa Omar Sharif in Nazaret: Don't miss the chance to visit this iconic house, and when the weather is pleasant, be sure to indulge in their delightful cocktails.
Famara: If you're seeking adventure, I highly recommend surfing or embarking on a hike through the vast sand dunes that lie near Famara. It's a blissfully desolate experience.
Playa Mujeres: For those who appreciate simplicity and tranquility, this beach offers a serene and pleasant atmosphere to unwind and enjoy.
Punta Mujeres: Explore the charming streets with their typical architecture and be sure to visit the natural pools, creating a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate.
Orzola: This coastal town is worth a visit if you simply want to embrace the refreshing sea breeze and immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty.
Playa de Montaña Bermeja: This beach is an absolute gem, and if you time it right, you can drive back along the breathtaking Timanfaya National Park, experiencing a mesmerizing sunset.
Bar Andalucia 1960 in Arrecife: Indulge in delicious food and natural wines at this establishment, where the Italian and local cuisines blend seamlessly. The proprietor is a lovely lady who creates a wonderful dining experience.
Cohombrillo: This place is truly worth a visit, and the journey itself is a delight. You'll encounter a passionate couple who share your love for exploration and create memorable experiences, just like you.
Read
"Filosofie van het landschap" by Ton Lemaire: Dive into the philosophical exploration of landscapes and deepen your connection with the natural world.
"What artists wear" by Charlie Porter: Explore the fascinating relationship between artists and their choice of attire, providing insight into their creative process.
"Steppenwolf" by Hermann Hesse: Immerse yourself in the introspective journey of the protagonist as he grapples with his dual nature in this renowned literary classic.
"Rawhide Kid - issue nr.88" or any other issue (Marvel Comics): Delve into the thrilling adventures of Rawhide Kid, a beloved character in the Marvel universe.
"Lucky Luke - nr.2 Rodeo" by Morris: Embark on a wild west escapade with Lucky Luke, the beloved cowboy hero, in this entertaining graphic novel.
Listen
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone: Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of this timeless soundtrack, transporting you to the wild west.
"Small Town Smoker" by Color Cassette: Enjoy the soothing and melodic tunes of Color Cassette, capturing the essence of small-town living.
"Euclid" by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: Lose yourself in the enchanting and experimental electronic sounds of Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, taking you on a sonic journey.
"The Definitive Step-by-step Dance Guide for Warlord Necromancers and Enthusiasts" by Cool Sorcery: Perfect for your on-the-road playlist, this album offers a unique blend of energetic beats and mystical vibes.
More about Wannes’ work at Hektor
Casa Omar Sharif
Punta Mujeres
Cohombrillo
Strook (2022 & 2023)
Mirador del Rio
The Secret Garden - hiking from Playa Quemada: we had our lunch at Restaurante Salmarina + definitely bring swimwear.
We realize now that we actually don't listen to music while traveling, just Radio 3 in the car and the sounds of the island...
Extra tips from Stefaan are to rent a bike (great service at Free Motion) and explore the island by cycling, including the road from Mirador del Rio along the coast to Haría. And of course, surfing in Famara!
More about Strook’s work at Hektor
Mark Rammers (2022 & 2023)
Views from Ermita de las Nieves
For me, just driving anywhere and everywhere on the island is the way to go (definitely don’t be afraid to take some of the roads that seem to go nowhere, because here often they actually do, such as the unpaved track that starts at Parque Eolico and ends at Mala) and let yourself be awed by changing shapes, colours and patters around every corner. Visit some of the stunning architecture of César Manrique and walk up to Ermita de Las Nieves for incredible views.
I was blown away by Patti Smith’s Just Kids, her memoirs about dealing with love, loss and hardship while becoming one of the most profound poets and songwriters of the 21st century. Very powerful, and undeniably relevant while you're an artist in residence at Hektor.
During my last visit I had James Holden’s latest album on repeat, but anything from Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works to the more experimental Nicolas Jaar tracks works to amplify the impressions left by the otherworldly landscapes on the island. Check out the artist’s playlist.
More about Mark’s work at Hektor
Studio Woot Woot - Karina Soors (2023)
Famara
Listen to Almodovar’s soundtracks. A distinctive aspect of his films is the exceptional use of soundtracks, carefully curated to complement the vibrant and dramatic narratives. Almodóvar's soundtracks are eclectic, often featuring a mix of nostalgic classics and contemporary hits that enhance the mood and atmosphere of his films, creating an unforgettable auditory experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether evoking feelings of passion, melancholy, or joy, the masterful integration of music in Almodóvar's works adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to his cinematic masterpieces. Check out the artist playlist of Hektor.
Watch Los Abrasos Rotos by Almodovar. The movie partly takes place on Lanzarote and is inspired by his holiday here. Read more about it.
More about Studio Woot Woot’s work at Hektor
Hanne Grégoire (2023)
Jardín de Cactus
Explore, wander around. Actually, you don't have to do anything, which is the best part of island life.
Things you should do:
Drive around during golden hour.
Caldera Blanca and Caldereta Hike, but avoid windy days.
Piscina Naturales de Punta Mujeres, the one across from Pichon, where you can enjoy local snacks while cooling down.
Jardín de Cactus - for the cacti, impressive garden design, and a great terrace to spot tourists' peculiarities in combination with cacti.
What book do you read when you are here?
Anything within reach; there's finally space to dive into bookworm mode.
"Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths" by Natalie Haynes. Explores female nuances in the male gaze in Greek myths.
"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara. The serenity of the environment allows you to immerse yourself entirely in the book.
From Bert’s library – borrow Bert's mind for a moment. It's highly recommended:
"Surrounded by Idiots, only slightly influenced by Yves & Bert."
"Big Sur" by Jack Kerouac.
"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Read it without sleeping during one of the windiest days.
"Mutts" by Patrick McDonnell. Graphic work that complements all the rescue animals around you.
What music fits Lanzarote?
Tune in to the radio in the car. The perfect companion to cruise through the impressive landscapes.
Listen to "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding while enjoying morning coffee on the stairs of El Granjero.
"Time Moves Slow" by BADBADNOTGOOD: Your time at Hektor feels like one long, good Sunday.
"Sleep" by Max Richter: When the wind captures too much noise in your head.
"The Ratline": A compelling podcast with impressive sound design. Los Valles is never silent; it has its own sound design. Content-wise, they are unrelated, but it's interesting to listen to the sound design instead of just words.
More about Hanne Grégoire’s residence at Hektor.
Matthew Carney (2023)
Favorite place on the island:
View on Haría
The drive which starts north of Haría, the Peñas del Chache lookout, and weaving down the valley into Haria town always took my breath away (the valley of 1000 palms).
To sit and take in the world: Charco del Palo
Best read while you’re on the island:
Lapidarium “The Secret Lives of Stones”
Best watch:
“Aftersun” (dir. Charlotte Wells )
Which music suits Lanzarote?
Anhoni “why did you separate me from the earth”, “it must change”
Tina Turner “When the heartache is over”
Ruby Haunt “Desire”
Podcasts to listen to:
Desert Island Disks (BBC)
We can do hard things (Glennon Doyle)
Bewildered (Martha Beck)
More about Matthew Carny’s residence at Hektor.
Heidewinne (2022/2023)
Frits on a hike in the north
What I really liked the most so far is Jaméos del Agua. The sound, the lobsters , the atmosphere , the bar and the people. Even with all the visitors you can still feel all the right vibes. So I often think back to that. I also found the trip by boat to La Graciosa incredibly beautiful and nice. But in itself, Lanzarote is for me the ensemble of moving landscapes if you go from here to there and follow Frits' ears.
Which music suits Lanzarote?
everything of Kruaghbin
Ali Parka Touré
Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles in the car
Podcasts to listen to:
Touché (Friedl Lesage)
Wiser than me (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
How to fail (Elisabeth Day)
More about Heidewinne’s residence at Hektor.
Bontridders (2023)
What to visit?
The César Manrique foundation and the beaches.
What to listen to?
“Dolly” - Youth Lagoon
What to read?
“How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy” - Jenny Odell
“Let’s Talk About Love: Why Other People Have Such Bad Taste” - Carl Wilson
Watch while you are in Lanzarote:
“The Bear”
More about Bontridders residence at Hektor.
Amit Berman (2023)
My favorite place on the island was Charco del Palo. The sense of freedom infused with my personal insecurities made this place very special for me.
Whilst in Lanzarote, I was reading a book called “Just by looking at him" by Ryan O'Connell - and I was listening to music from Devendra Banhart to Rosalia.
More about Amit’s residence at Hektor.
Maarten Denaeyer (2023)
The most beautiful sunset I saw was at La Santa. I was there to make one of my landmarks, and waited to see the sunset. The sea was very rough that night which made it extra special.
Favourite place to go was Teguise to have a stroll, or Famara to go to the beach.
The most spectacular drive for me is when you drive along the LZ-1 highway between Punta Mujeres and Orzola. You see the most beautiful rock formations and white beaches there. At this place I did a lot of sketching and you can see a perfect sunrise.
I read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari during my stay. It was on my must-read for a very long time.
The new album ‘Javelin’ by Sufjan Stevens was released during my residence. It was on repeat the entire time, and it’s one of my favorite albums of the year.
More about Maarten’s residence at Hektor.
Truls Martensson (2023)
The hike from Hektor to Famara, was my favorite experience: very existential.
I read three books while at the residency.
‘Foe’ by Ian Reid, ‘The Body Snatchers’ by Jack Finney and ‘Faith, Hope and Carnage’ by Nick Cave and Séan O'hagan. All of wich I recommend.
And if you’re on Lanzarote, listen to Mary Lattimore, especially Wawa by the Ocean.