A
rtists have long been attracted to Mallorca as a place of inspiration and imagination. The island has served as an ideal place to live and work for many creatives across generations from English poet Robert Graves to modern artists Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, both of whom produced numerous works here, to more contemporary artists, such as Miquel Barceló. While artists have sought sanctuary on the island, many have also established foundations or art centres where the public can come and learn more about their work as well as others. In this same spirit, art collectors based on the island have also established galleries and residencies that feature exhibitions and events with up and coming artists.
Opening image credit: © Pep Escoda / Rubén G. Perdomo / Miquel Julià (según corresponda al fotógrafo) - Archivos de la Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca - Succesió Miró, 2024
Fundació Pilar and Joan Miró
The Fundació Pilar and Joan Miró in Mallorca is one the island’s top cultural destinations. Joan Miró and his wife Pilar moved to the island later in life and lived just outside of Palma, near the neighbourhood of El Terreno, for over 30-years. During this time, the property established three buildings; Miró commissioned Catalan architect, Josep Lluis Sert, to design his studio, in which he began working in 1956, later came Son Boter, a late 18th-century house which the artist used as a second painting and sculpture studio; and lastly, the Moneo Building, the foundations headquarters, designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, which opened in 1992. Miro famously said, “I want everything that I leave behind to stay just as it is when I am gone,” and this is essentially what has been done with his Lluis Sert-designed studio. It’s as if he’s stepped out for lunch and might be back any minute. Visitors can gaze upon the works-in-progress and imagine the artist as he painted away surrounded by the sea and Mediterranean light. The contemporary space features rotating exhibitions that are also open to the public.
CCA Andratx
Established in the small town of Sa Coma, in Andratx, on the southwestern tip of Mallorca, in the early 2000s, CCA Andratx is both a contemporary art centre and artist residency. Founded by Danish collectors and art patrons, Jacob and Patricia Asbaek, the CCA includes a large exhibition space, bookshop and restaurant all surrounded by nature and the beautiful Tramuntana landscapes. The exhibition space functions like a German Kunsthalle, and focuses on experimental art and emerging talent, often with an emphasis on Balearic Island based artists, and featuring 3-4 curated exhibitions per year.
