Paper Camp
self-sufficient topography on paper
Sardinia, May 2025
Paper Lab Berlin
Led by Guy Lougashi
Paper Camp is a self-residency program offering artists and creatives a unique opportunity to deepen their engagement with paper as a material, concept, and tool.
Hosted by Paper Lab Berlin, this immersive experience takes place in Sardinia - a location renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and enduring traditions in craftsmanship.
For thousands of years, Sardinia’s landscapes and habitats have preserved the footprints of human history, from prehistoric nuraghi (ancient stone towers) to the enduring traditions of its small, close-knit villages. The island’s isolation and self-sufficient culture allowed it to thrive independently, resisting colonization and preserving its unique identity. Sardinia’s crafts -textiles, ceramics, basket weaving, and metalwork - reflect this spirit, showcasing the deep connection between creativity and resilience.
What makes Sardinia especially magical is the way creativity is naturally woven into its way of life. To me, creativity is the ability to solve problems, to take diverse materials, ideas, and challenges, and research them thoroughly to bring them into perfect harmony as a form of expression. Sardinia embodies this philosophy, offering an environment where inspiration and craftsmanship merge seamlessly, making it an ideal setting for Paper Camp in Sardinia.
The Program
Paper Camp Sardinia invites participants to explore the vast potential of paper—its versatility as a material, its conceptual depth, and its ability to serve as a tool for artistic expression. Over the course of their stay, participants will:
Deepen their understanding of paper’s possibilities by experimenting with its form and manipulation.
Challenge their creative processes by engaging with the influences of Sardinia’s unique landscapes, culture, and artisanal heritage.
Develop a richer dialogue with the medium, connecting their personal practices to a broader context of materiality and place.
Share knowledge and inspiration with a small, focused group of like-minded individuals.
This program encourages participants to face creative challenges, expand their artistic boundaries, and reimagine the relationship between their work and the world around them. While the focus is on individual exploration, the camp welcomes collaboration and shared projects, fostering a supportive and interactive community.
Structure and Daily Flow
The program is carefully designed to balance structured guidance with the freedom to explore:
Guided Studio Hours (09:00–18:00): Daily mentorship and support from Guy Lougashi, tailored to each participant’s journey.
Morning Paper Talks: A daily forum to share progress, exchange ideas, and address creative challenges.
Independent Work Hours: Participants are free to work whenever inspiration strikes, with access to a fully equipped studio environment throughout the day.
Each day begins with a moment of reflection, helping participants center themselves and focus on the day’s creative process. Evening hours remain open-ended, allowing participants to continue their exploration at their own pace.
Paper Camp
Sardinia, May 2025
The Spirit of Sardinia
Sardinia’s artistic and cultural heritage is an endless source of inspiration. While the island does not have a historic connection to paper, its crafts and traditions reveal a profound respect for materials and processes. This ethos aligns perfectly with the program’s goals: to foster a deeper connection to paper and to explore how the medium can transform and communicate ideas.
The island’s natural beauty and cultural resilience create an environment that invites introspection and exploration. Sardinia’s small, self-sufficient communities demonstrate the power of ingenuity and resourcefulness—qualities that resonate deeply with the creative process.
Facilities and Exhibition Opportunities
Participants will reside in a spacious house surrounded by nature, featuring private rooms, shared living spaces, and dedicated work areas. Most tools and materials are provided, ensuring a seamless creative experience.
In collaboration with Campidarte, an art center and farm, the program offers exhibition opportunities in:
An indoor gallery space.
Outdoor installation areas.
An open gallery for experimental performances.
Participants are encouraged to present their work in any form they choose, from personal projects to collaborative pieces, installations, or performances, reflecting the diverse possibilities of contemporary expression.
Community and Atmosphere
Paper Camp Sardinia maintains an intimate group dynamic (4-5 participants at a time), ensuring a focused and supportive environment. Respect for individual working styles is paramount. Whether participants prefer solitary reflection or collaborative engagement, the camp encourages a culture of mutual respect and inspiration.
The program is open to all modes of working, from silent introspection to dynamic group projects. It is a space where hard work and experimentation are balanced with empathy and sensitivity, fostering an environment that encourages participants to push their creative boundaries.
Make it
Sardinia is a place where the past and present converge, offering a unique environment for creative exploration. Its enduring crafts, deeply rooted cultural traditions, and unspoiled landscapes provide endless inspiration.
Through Paper Camp Sardinia, participants will not only refine their artistic practices but also contribute to a larger dialogue about materiality, place, and human creativity. This program is not just about working with paper—it’s about exploring the profound connections between material, process, and self-expressio
reparation and Flexibility
Before arriving in Sardinia, participants will join online sessions—both individual and group—to prepare artistically and logistically. These sessions ensure everyone is fully equipped to make the most of their experience.
Participants can stay for as many days as they wish (minimum one week). Arrival and departure days are not included in the working period, allowing for flexible scheduling while maintaining a structured and immersive creative flow.
Join Us in May 2025
Whether you're crafting personal works, installations, or experimental projects, Paper Camp Sardinia offers the tools, environment, and inspiration to push your creative boundaries.
Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate and focused atmosphere. For more information, please reach out to us directly.Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
To kick off the journey toward Paper Camp Sardinia, we are hosting an introductory Zoom session on January 4, 2025, at 17:00 CET. This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the program, explore its unique structure, and ask any questions about the experience. Whether you’re curious about the creative possibilities, the practical arrangements, or the artistic guidance offered, this session will provide all the details you need to prepare for this immersive self-residency.