Transformative Art Experiences for the Digital Nomad

Transformative Art Experiences for the Digital Nomad

Art brings so much to the fore. It is the culmination of thousands of years of history and culture.

It tells the story of a way of life we can never experience. It teaches us about a way of thinking that may have revolutionized the world at a certain point in time. And it certainly inspires courage and creativity for artists generation after generation. To some, art is livelihood. Gutsy, provocative or innovative, art in its numerous forms dares us to dream.

Most of what the world of art has to offer will go by unlearned by us. Because we are deeply rooted to one place, too anchored to a certain lifestyle. We miss out. However, in a blend of historic and modern, a new way of life has emerged – the digital nomad. Man was once nomadic, so why not carry forward such a lifestyle now? The digital nomad is one who has traded off the comfort of home and the stability of a 9-5 to explore the world; learning, experiencing and metamorphosizing.

Digital nomads aren’t tourists. They migrate from place to place every few months. They work remotely (all they need are a laptop and an internet connection), they teach at local schools, work part-time jobs or save up beforehand to sustain themselves on their voyages. In their free time, they immerse themselves in a culture, they “do as the romans do” and even learn niche art forms unique to the place.

A niche art form can be almost anything – a unique style of dance, painting, weaving, martial arts, music, architecture or anything else you can think of. And if you’re a digital nomad – or even a traveller– passionate about art, given below are some of our top art experience recommendations for you.

Burning Man, USA

Burning Man is a week-long celebration of global art and culture in a commercial-free, temporarily set up city named Black Rock in the middle of the desert of Nevada. Inspired by the ideals of anti-consumerism and self-expression, Black Rock City functions as a self-sustaining community. The participants of Burning Man are primarily eccentric artists, partygoers and free spirits.

Full of creative sculptures and interactive art installations, Burning Man emphasises radical inclusivity, communal effort and civic responsibility. Once the festival is over, the city is taken apart and no trace of it is left behind.

Ontayaki Pottery Village, Japan

Onta, a peaceful and secluded mountain village in Japan, became famous for its unique style of pottery based on geometric patterns known as Onta-yaki pottery that originated in the 1700’s.

Part of an art-cultural movement started in the early 20th century that emphasises the beauty of everyday objects, Onta-yaki pottery shot to fame.

The village comprises of fourteen houses out of which ten make their livelihoods from pottery.

The intricate skill which is entirely performed by hand is passed on generation to generation.

Watching a potter at the wheel is spellbinding, making your own pottery is deeply therapeutic.

ViĂąales, Cuba

ViĂąales is gorgeously green and offers plenty of activities such as trekking, hiking and horseback riding. Quiet, slow and relaxed, ViĂąales is home to a community of farmers; and famous for its tobacco farms. The farmers here are more than happy to teach travellers the art of Cuban cigar rolling. Each with a unique recipe involving ingredients such as honey, cinnamon and rum, and a dedicated fermentation process, these farmers teach you how to roll smooth, aromatic and authentic cigars the likes of which cannot be mass-produced.

The Louvre, Paris

Some art experiences are meant to be experienced. Others are meant to take your breath away. And that is exactly what the Louvre does. Perhaps the most famous museum on earth, the Louvre boasts a ridiculous 35,000 historic artefacts including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. They say if you dedicate thirty seconds to each artefact, it will take you about thirteen days to cover the entire museum. It’s that massive! Our recommendation: research beforehand on the exhibits that interest you the most and dedicate your time to those only. It’s the only way to experience the Louvre in a meaningful, heartfelt way.

Tomorrowland, Belgium

Can you go a single day without listening to music? Especially if you’re a digital nomad who spends most of your time in solitude as you travel. Music is a good companion and a mood elevator. If you’re a digital nomad who loves music, Tomorrowland is the ultimate art experience for you. Magical, surreal, and almost like a parallel dimension, the world’s largest music fest is an EDM lover’s haven. Some of the world’s best artists such as David Guetta and Alesso perform here for a crowd of over 400,000 people from more than 75 different countries!

Chicha Art, Peru Bold, bright and revolutionary, Chicha is street art with a social message. Invented by the art legend Elliot Tupac in the 80’s initially as an attractive poster font for Chicha music bands, admiration and demand for the art form spread the world over. Often conveying a sociopolitical message, Tupac’s graffiti-style murals cover entire blocks sometimes. Powerful messages such as “I Used to Dream” and “Weaving Hope” and “Your Indifference Also Contaminates” have made his works controversial and earned him the occasional disapproval of the Peruvian government. We urge you to enjoy his murals before this becomes permanent!

Art is many things to many people. It is a source of relaxation or joy. To some, it is livelihood.

Heritage. Identity. A creative endeavour. An escape from reality. Rebellion. A chance to spur social change. Or just a chance for people to tell their stories. So much art and culture are spread across the globe waiting to be unearthed by us. And by exploring, learning and supporting these art forms, we may just be able to preserve them for the future generations.

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