Introduction
Step into a glimpse of Ibiza that many of us only hear about in stories – the island’s everyday life before tourism transformed its streets. This summer, the Sala Sa Nostra in Vila hosts an exhibition that brings those moments back to life through the lens of José Manuel Chico Prats.
About the Exhibition
The show, titled “The photographic look of Chico Prats,” opens this Friday, July 3, and runs until July 25. It is a joint effort by Ibiza City Council, the Consell, and the Municipal Image and Sound Archive (Aisme). Curators Sara Ramon (Insular Minister of Culture), Carmen Domínguez (City Councilor for Culture), and Fanny Tour (director of Aisme) presented the project on Thursday, emphasizing its role in celebrating Chico Prats’ legacy.
Who Was Chico Prats?
Although born in Catalonia, Chico Prats had deep Ibizan roots – his mother hailed from the island, and he spent many summers at his family home in Platja d’en Bossa. Over decades he captured the island’s people, places, and traditions, later turning many of those images into paintings. This year marks both the 110th anniversary of his birth and the 20th anniversary of his death, making the exhibition a fitting tribute.
What You’ll See
Main Gallery – Sa Nostra Sala
The first part features 60 photographs, mostly in black and white with five color images. The shots are candid, taken in streets, squares, and towns, showing Ibizans going about their daily lives.
Key Sections
- “Dones eixerides” – Five portraits of women displayed without captions, based on the idea that a strong photo needs no explanation.
- Urban Life – Images of city streets, plazas, and public fountains, highlighting spots where neighbors gathered, especially when many homes lacked running water.
- Rural Ibiza – Photos that invite viewers to spot familiar faces – family members, neighbors, or well‑known locals such as Maria des Gats, priests Joan Marí Cardona, Pep Negre, and Don Toni de Sant Miquel.
Second Venue – Es Polvorí Room
Starting July 13, a complementary exhibit titled “Chico Prats: Art and Photography (1916–2006)” will showcase additional photographs alongside a selection of his paintings, drawn from the Consell’s collection and private holdings. This second part stays open until August 29.
Why This Matters
For teenagers growing up in a fast‑changing world, the exhibition offers a tangible connection to the island’s past. Seeing how people dressed, played, and interacted helps us understand the cultural threads that still shape Ibiza today. As Councilor Carmen Domínguez noted, the photos let viewers “get to know him and get an idea of what he was like and the human heritage of Ibiza.”
How to Visit
The opening event begins at 8 p.m. this Friday at Sa Nostra Sala. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open daily during regular gallery hours. After exploring the first set of images, consider returning in mid‑July to see the paintings and extra photographs at Es Polvorí.
Conclusion
Chico Prats’ work is more than a collection of old pictures; it is a visual diary of an Ibiza that many have never experienced. By preserving and presenting these images, the island invites both locals and visitors to reflect on its roots, celebrate its identity, and keep its stories alive for future generations.
Reference: Source
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es