The Galeria Pelaires in Palma de Mallorca is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. The gallery was founded by Pep Pinya in 1969 and has since developed into a formidable outlet for contemporary and 20th century art in Mallorca and indeed, in Spain. I understand that King Juan Carlos I acquires some of his art from this Palma gallery.

When the art gallery proprietor-to-be first discovered that premises were available where later Sala Pelaires was opened, he initially thought of opening a floristry. He had previously been making his money in the fashion business. However, it was upon the insistence of his then wife, Nini Quetglas, that Pinya tried his hand at modern art, hitherto without much representation in Spain. Spanish dictator, Franco was still alive at that time and many artists had emmigrated to neighbouring France. Sala Pelaires was the first gallery in Mallorca showing work by Joan Miró. In fact, I think it was mainly through Pinya’s association with Miró and his friends (Picasso, Calder et al.) that the gallery became so successful.

The exhibition at the Centre Cultural Contemporani Pelaires celebrating the 40th anniversary is called Aigües Tortes (Distorted Waters).

Two contemporary artists – but which art is not contemporary at the time of its making? – are the protagonists of this show: Rebecca Horn (Germany) and Yannis Kounellis (Greece/Italy).

My photo shows a detail of Rebecca Horn’s sculpture Baño de Gotas de Rocío Vistas a Través de la Bola de Cristal (A Bath in Dew as Seen Through the Cristal Ball). The exhibition will be open until the end of September. A visit to the exhibition is highly recommended. Whilst enjoying the art pieces you can also appreciate the grandeza of the premises, Can Sureda d’Artà, a beautiful town palace dating from the 17th century and, at some time in the past, a Colegio de Señoritas de la Anunciación run by nuns.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: August 13th, 2008. The time was 12:42:27.