The Ontopo Tulum Retreat 2018 was a multi-day gathering focused on experimental creative practices, with the natural environment of Tulum playing an essential role in shaping each participant’s offering. The retreat was framed by the idea of "In Lak'ech Ala K'in," a Mayan greeting symbolizing unity and oneness. Participants, including artists, musicians, and performers, engaged in collective creative practices through a blend of ceremonies, site-specific work, and performances, inspired by the unique settings, such as the cenotes, Muyil ruins, and the Tulum coastline.

The environment provided both context and material for artistic exploration. For instance, the canal float at Muyil allowed participants to physically engage with the natural water systems, fostering reflection on the interconnectedness of land and people. Tara Mei Smith’s work on mangroves, "Birth of Sky," addressed ecological and cultural aspects of the region, while Monika Heidemann’s "psychic sleep singing" used the intimate setting of Aqua Viva to evoke a meditative, dream-like state. The Spring Equinox Ceremony, set against the lush backdrop of Tulum, was performed collectively, with an emphasis on transformation and the transition between seasons.

The retreat's focus on site-specificity challenged artists to adapt their practices to the environment, pushing beyond studio confines and into the immersive landscape of Tulum. It emphasized the significance of ritual and improvisation, linking creative production with a deeper, embodied experience of place. This interplay between creativity and environment reimagined how participants could contribute to and draw from the spaces around them, fostering a unique blend of artistic creation, community interaction, and natural connection.

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