De-Influence.

Step out of the noise and see what remains.

We are surrounded by input. Opinions, images, expectations and ideas about how we should live, think, feel and even spend our free time.

De-influence creates a temporary space to step outside some of that noise — not to escape everyday life, but to notice what becomes visible when there is a little less telling us where to look.

Psychological perspectives, body-based practices and contemporary art come together as different ways of exploring experience. There are no ready-made answers to arrive at and no particular version of yourself to become.

The idea is simpler: notice more, explore what you find, and make up your own mind.

NOTICE

What usually gets overlooked?

Slow down and pay attention to what is already there — in your body, your surroundings and the way you relate to yourself and others.

EXPLORE

What happens when you look from somewhere else?

Move, breathe, create, question and exchange. Psychological perspectives, body-based practices and art offer different ways to explore your own experience — rather than another set of answers to follow.

RETURN

What do you want to take with you?

Return to everyday life not as a new version of yourself, but with your own experiences, questions and perspectives — and perhaps something you want to see, think about or do differently.

Contemporary art is an integral part of De-influence.

Gihan's work enters the conversation — raising questions, creating friction and inviting different ways of seeing. The gallery isn't simply the place where the retreat happens. It becomes part of the experience. Creativity also isn't reserved for artists. Creative processes invite participants to experiment, respond and make something of their own, without needing to be good at art.

Creativity isn't a luxury. It's one of the ways we make sense of being human.

Created by

Isabel Maass
Psychologist (M.Sc.) · Bodynamic Practitioner in Training · Yoga Teacher

Isabel brings together psychological perspectives with movement, breath and awareness, creating space to explore experience through both mind and body.

Gihan Mackay
Artist · Artivist

Gihan’s work explores social and political realities through contemporary art, often questioning established narratives and inviting different ways of seeing what we tend to take for granted.

Together, we created De-influence as a space where these different approaches can meet — without one needing to provide the answers for the other.

Art isn't the backdrop.

Bring De-Influence to your space.

De-influence isn't tied to one location. The concept can travel to galleries, cultural spaces and other venues with room for art, movement and working together as a group.

Each edition responds to the space, context and people involved while keeping NOTICE · EXPLORE · RETURN at its core.

Have a gallery or space that could host De-influence? We're open to collaborations internationally.

Upcoming Retreats

Nothing scheduled right now — but more De-influence retreats are in the making. If you'd like to hear about the next one, stay connected on Instagram or get in touch.

Weekend Gallery Retreat

31.07 - 02.08.2026

Galerie Epes, Darmstadt, Germany

Language: German

A collaborative three-day experience by Isabel Maaß, Gihan Mackay, and Marie Lortz.

Hosted inside Galerie EPES, this weekend is designed as an antidote to modern isolation—a space dedicated to reclaiming true connection.

Together, we bridge deep somatic practice, psychological grounding, artistic perspective, and conscious culinary experiences. It is an invitation to step out of the daily noise, slow down, and return to the direct, shared experience of the present moment.

Past Retreats