Overview of the Exhibition
From July 10 to August 29, the Municipal Exhibition Hall of the Rosary in Ciutadella hosts “Thirty‑four heavens and a tower,” a solo show by Basque painter Mikel Díez Alaba. Curated by illustrator Kira Díez and visual poet Manuel Moranta, the exhibition gathers thirty‑four works that trace the artist’s journey since he first arrived in Menorca in 1980.
Who Is Mikel Díez Alaba?
- Born in Bilbao in 1947, Díez Alaba has been painting for over five decades.
- This is his thirty‑ninth solo exhibition and the fourth he has presented on the island of Menorca.
- The show marks the first time such a comprehensive collection of his work can be seen locally.
What the Show Features
The paintings are arranged to illustrate a clear shift in his style:
The Title Meaning
- “Thirty‑four heavens” refers to the thirty‑four canvases on display.
- “A tower” points to the 16th‑century medieval tower at Binissaida de sa Torre, where the artist lived during his early years on the island. The tower’s wide views gave him a feeling of visual dominance over land and sea.
From Figurative to Abstract
- Early works depict recognizable scenes and figures.
- Over time, especially after his stay in the tower, Díez Alaba moved toward abstraction, letting shapes, colors, and light convey emotion rather than literal detail.
- Curators note that this evolution mirrors his deepening connection to Menorca’s landscape and skies.
Life in the Tower
- The tower’s workshop occupied the top floor; its thick walls narrowed as they rose, ending in a small studio with a terrace that overlooked the port of Mahón.
- Díez Alaba describes this period as a turning point: “From the tower I could see half the island, live in the sky and the sea, and feel a total visual dominance.”
- He credits those years with sparking his most spiritual and experimental creations.
The Blue Series
- A highlight of the exhibit is the well‑known “blue series,” where the sky dominates each canvas.
- Blue, for the artist, is more than a color—it represents a part of the spirit of his work, reappearing throughout his career as a motif of memory and openness.
- Later pieces in the series become increasingly sparse, reduced to traces and structures that hint at landscapes rather than depict them outright.
Why This Matters for Young Artists
- Demonstrates how a change of environment can inspire a shift in artistic approach.
- Shows the value of observing natural light and landscape as sources of abstraction.
- Encourages experimentation: moving from detailed representation to expressive use of color and form.
Visiting Info
- Location: Municipal Exhibition Hall of the Rosary, Ciutadella, Menorca.
- Dates: July 10 – August 29, 2026.
- Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. (check local listings for any changes).
- Admission: Free, organized by the Ciutadella City Council with support from the Island Council.
Conclusion
“Thirty‑four heavens and a tower” offers a clear, accessible window into Mikel Díez Alaba’s artistic evolution—from early figurative paintings inspired by his first Menorcan home to the abstract, sky‑filled works that define his later career. For teens interested in how place, light, and personal experience shape creativity, the show provides both visual enjoyment and thoughtful inspiration.
Images Credit: www.menorca.info