Oct 1, 2024
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
- By
Blaire Dessent
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
Oct 1, 2024
by
Blaire Dessent
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
Oct 1, 2024
by
Blaire Dessent
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
Oct 1, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
Oct 1, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
Jaume Plensa: Mirall
Oct 1, 2024
- By
Blaire Dessent
T

wo large sculptures by Jaume Plensa are installed in the open hall of La Llotja, one of Mallorca’s most emblematic historical sites. The installation opened on September 21st and will be on view through February 15, 2025. Located near the Palma Cathedral and across from Palma’s marina, La Llotja dates back to the 15th century and was the main centre of trade and commerce for the islands for centuries. In recent years, it has been the site of a larger initiative by the Government of the Balearics Islands, the Palma City Council and the Consell de Mallorca, which aims to position the island internationally as a cultural destination, and La Llotja, in particular, as a reference space for hosting exhibitions by the most prominent artists on the global stage. Past installations featured work by Julian Opie and Pedro Cabrieta Reis. 

“Mirall" by Barcelona-born artist Jaume Plensa, is the newest installation in this initiative. Curated by  Walter Smerling, who is also the  President of SAEung für Kunst und Kultur, the installation opened to the public on Nit del Art, with an inauguration that included Margalida Prohens, President of the Government of Balearic Islands. Plensa is known internationally for his sublime-like sculptures of the human face. His work is often made in monumental scale, but in such a way as to make them appear as if they are floating or are mere apparitions. The light and the material, which has included steel, wax, resin, glass and water, further enhances the mysterious effect of his work. His public-facing sculptures originate “from his belief in the ability of art in public spaces to create inclusive, transformative experiences for a diverse and extensive audience.” 

Jaume Plensa with "Mirall"
Press conference at the opening of "Mirall"
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egarding the title of the exhibition, "Mirall," (the Catalan word for mirror), Plensa explained that “for years my obsession has been how we look at others. Another person is always an enigmatic territory, and we don't realise that when we look at someone else, in a way, we see ourselves.” The installation consists of two, 7-metre tall hanging sculptures: “Invisible Laura” and “Invisible Rui”. Made with an open grid of stainless steel wires, the sculptures are both transparent and monumental. The two figures face each other in a gesture of silence and there are lines of metal that flow down from the faces towards the ground as if they were in transformation. 

Reflecting on the dualities of the world Plensa notes: “In the ancient tradition of classical Rome, Janus was one of its main gods. He was a deity with two faces: one looking to the past and the other to the future. The reflection of our face in the mirror, in the face of others—lovers, friends, strangers, and acquaintances. Men and women sharing their faces in the most generous of our acts. The duality of body and shadow, day and night, joy and sorrow... The duality of all our dreams that are still waiting to be born in the reflection of a mirror.” The intricate architectural details of La Llotja, with its ribbed arches and spiralling columns, seems to organically embrace Plensa’s sculptures, as if they were transmitting something  between past and present. As Plensa notes: “contemporary art is an extraordinary ally of history. The relationship with a building like La Llotja must be a dialogue to coexist.” 

“Mirall” is on view through February 15, 2025. 

Installation View of "Mirall"
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