A small shoal of Humpback Whales (Megaptera Llaüt Plessi) have been stranded in Palma’s Llotja, the mediaeval maritime trade exchange in the city’s old town centre near the sea front.

Wait. I made that up. You can tell by the Megaptera Llaüt Plessi fabrication. There are no whales inside the Llotja. Rather, Italian artist, Fabrizio Plessi, has installed 14 Llaüts (traditional Mallorcan fishermen’s boats) as part of an art exhibition under the title La Llum del Llaüt (The Light of the Llaüt) in the beautiful building which had been closed for restoration for the last two or even three years and has now re-opened. The Gothic hall is in a splendid condition although you would not really see that as the whole place is dark with the large windows being blacked-out. The lighting is dark and dim. The old boats have been turned upside down and yes, somehow there is an illusion of stranded whales. The boats are lit with blue neon tubes from underneath. This light setting together with the sound of the sea waves and music by Michael Nyman make for a captivating and dramatic experience. This exhibition is a treat for the eye, the ear and the senses, whatever else one may think of Signore Plessi. You should go and have a look at the artist’s installation and the newly accessible Llotja building. The exhibition will continue daily except Mondays until October. Admission is free.

The photo (top) was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: July 1st, 2011. The time was 17:16:28. The photo (bottom) was borrowed from the Internet, courtesy of diariodemallorca.es and the photographer, G. Bosch.

Muchas gracias.