Fixed to Travel: What is Art with Me GNP Tulum

Art with Me Tulum GNP

Art With Me took place the last week of April 2019 and I was lucky enough to spend one of my very last days in Tulum checking out as much of the festival as I could cram into a day. Here’s my short recap of my time there and what you can expect from this hot new festival taking place annually in Tulum.

Art with Me

It’s all in the name, the festival is centered around art in all forms. Expect large scale sculptures, live paintings, art talks and even intimate showings along the beach with the artists. My favorites were the large scale pieces that lined the Tulum beach, they’re so unexpected and so imposing, you can’t help but give them your full attention. Plus, they are scattered from hotel to beach front and beyond; so whether you’re attending the festival, or not, you’re able to catch a view of them. That’s actually how I first learned of this festival, I did a little research after eyeing the Daniel Popper installation from last year’s festival during my birthday trip the following month. Which leads me to believe that most, if not all of these, will still be up long after the festival is over.

One really convenient part of this festival was the interactive mobile app. Every event was categorized by color based off the type of event (art, food or breath “yoga inspired”). The app also contained a map showcasing all of the events, which came in handy to not waste time walking to an event that hadn’t started yet. Plus, it’s a great place to favorite the shows you are most interested in-to get alerts and reminders.

This is Michael Benisty and you’ve probably seen his work before, he is incredibly talented and was one of the Artists that I had the pleasure of seeing in person, at the reveal of his installation. This sculpture is called AGAUE and this massive steel structure was painted with 24k gold. We were lucky enough to sit in on a blessing of the sculpture and got to hear the story behind it. AGAUE’s wave like figure was to have been crafted by the ocean and she has come to protect the beaches of Tulum. Stories aside- can you believe that this massive beauty only took him 5 days to complete? Five days for concept, material sourcing and creation. So unbelievably talented. You can find this sculpture on the beach behind Le Zebra.

This is Daniel Popper’s latest addition, located near the Beach Pavilion which is just a few blocks from Ziggys where the previous installation had once been. You can still catch last year’s sculpture out front of Ahau Tulum, a beautiful luxury hotel on the beach.

Dance with Me

A festival wouldn’t be a festival without music and Art with Me is all about easy, chill music that is perfect for the boho vibe that so naturally engulfs Tulum. There were DJ’s at almost every event or showing I stopped in on but sadly I didn’t make it to any of the night shows since I flew home so early the next day. Lame, I know. I tried to go to one show but had a little difficulty locating it with my cab driver and well, communication wasn’t the easiest so I settled for tacos and Corona at a highly recommended restaurant. I watched lots of snaps from other attendees though and the show I missed looked epic.

The beach pavillion area was where you could refuel, recharge (literally, they had charging stations set up) and sit in on artist’s talks and discussions about ecosystem solutions for Tulum. There was also a large wall mural that you could help to paint or lots of little shops set up where you could purchase reusable tumblers and sign your plastic-free pledge.

Image via Peter Ruprecht

Image via Phoebe Montague

Eat with Me

I was thrilled to be able to attend one night of Eat with Me at Kanan Tulum. This beautiful rooftop restaurant was the perfect setting for a sunset dinner prepared by top chefs. I was even brave enough to try food that’s usually too “risky” for me-aka seafood ha. You guys, I’m not adventurous when it comes to eating, I’ll admit that right now. I know what I like and I know what I don’t, even without trying it. Typically I’ll turn down seafood left and right and not feel bad about it at all but there’s something about looking to my right and seeing the ocean that changes my mind. It can’t get any fresher, I had to give it a chance. Except for the octopus, I don’t care how fresh it is-I’m not into textures like that… So besides a couple octopus options I was a tasting queen.

All in all this was a wonderful experience which will only inspire me to see, taste and live more in 2019. These photos only show some of the adventures that went on at Art With Me GNP; next time I go to this festival I will make sure to alot waaaayyy more time to see everything.

In the meantime, check out my video recap here.

Who’s joining me next year?

Xx Sylvia