Jan 30, 2024
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
- By
Blaire Dessent
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
Jan 30, 2024
by
Blaire Dessent
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
Jan 30, 2024
by
Blaire Dessent
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
Jan 30, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
Jan 30, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
sustainability
Four Contemporary Art Centres That Are Not to be Missed in Mallorca
Jan 30, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
CCA Andratx
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. 

Sa Bassa Blanca
Sa Bassa Blanca

Fundació Joan March

Located in the heart of Palma’s historic centre as well as a buzzing shopping district, on Calle San Miquel, the Fundacio Joan March is often overlooked by the surrounding shops and restaurants. But that is a pity, because this quiet, yet deeply funded foundation features exciting exhibitions of contemporary Spanish artists as well as curated exhibitions by other artists. Housed in a beautiful 17th century palace, with a lovely central courtyard and marble floors, with renovated, modern gallery spaces. The foundation itself was started in 1955, by Mallorcan businessman Juan March and supports contemporary art, music and culture as well as social projects. 

Sa Bassa Blanca Museum

One of the island’s most unique art centres is Sa Bassa Blanca, located on the northeastern tip of the island, between Alcúdia and the Bay of Alcúdia. It was founded by two artists and collectors, Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu, who first came to the island in the late 1960s. They established the foundation in 1993, where they first showed their extensive collection of portraits of children from the 16th-19th centuries. This rare collection might be enough in itself but over the years, the vast property expanded and now includes various sites to visit: An impressive outdoor sculpture park that features many sculptures by Jakober and Vu such as huge carved stone animals or a labyrinth of stones, a beautiful, Moorish-inspired home built by Egyptian architect, Hassan Fathy, a rose garden, as well as a gallery that is designed to be like a cabinet of curiosities with an eclectic mix of african masks, contemporary sculpture, including a James Turrell, paintings and folk art. 

Colección permanente de Palma junto con las obras del Museo de arte abstracto Museu Fundación Juan March (Palma), ©Xisco Bonnín / Archivo Fundación Juan March
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