## Overview
“Del mapa al souvenir” is a photography‑based art project created by David Arquimbau and Lorena R. Arquimbau. It explores how the outline of Menorca has moved from a simple geographic tool to a everyday symbol that appears on souvenirs, shop logos, tattoos, and more. The show opened at Ca n’Oliver, the art and culture centre that hosts the Premis Lab Oliver, where the project earned second place in 2026.
## The idea behind the project
The exhibition starts with Ca n’Oliver’s valuable historic map collection. By comparing old maps with contemporary images, the artists show how Menorca’s cartography has transformed into a graphic resource that carries multiple meanings for the island’s residents and visitors.
## How the map is used today
David Arquimbau identifies three main ways the island’s silhouette appears in modern life:
### Tourism and souvenirs
The map works as a proof‑of‑visit marker—think “I was here” stickers, postcards, or keychains that travelers buy to remember their trip.
### Local business branding
Companies embed the contour of Menorca into logos, packaging, and shop fronts to signal that they are truly Menorcan, helping them stand out as authentic local enterprises.
### Identity and activism
Beyond commerce, the shape is used to express belonging. It shows up in tattoos, street art, and campaign materials that support social causes or celebrate Menorcan culture.
## The exhibition layout
The show is divided into three complementary sections:
### Photographs and video
A series of documentary images, some drawn from the Arquimbau’s archives and others newly made, line the walls. A nine‑minute audiovisual piece, created with Gabriel Vintró, deepens the narrative by mixing footage, interviews, and animated maps.
### Object display
Lorena R. Arquimbau curates a cabinet of everyday objects—t‑shirts, mugs, patches, and more—that feature the island’s outline. This part highlights how the map has entered the realm of the mundane.
## Connecting to Menorca’s heritage
“Del mapa al souvenir” sits inside a longer trilogy the photographer has been developing:
* **Talayotic recreations** – photos of ancient taulas and talayots repurposed in tourist installations or leisure spaces.
* **Landscape decor** – images of Menorca’s scenery used to adorn shops, cafés, and other commercial venues.
Together, these strands examine how historic and natural symbols are recycled, re‑imagined, and sold in contemporary life.
## Conclusion
By tracing the journey of Menorca’s map from navigation aid to cultural emblem, the exhibition invites viewers to think about what it means to belong to a place. It shows how a simple line can carry stories of tourism, local pride, and personal expression, all while encouraging a playful, reflective look at everyday design.
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Images Credit: www.menorca.info