tastemakers – ABA Art
words by Bethan Ryder
Twin sisters Alejandra and Maribel Bordoy are the force behind the contemporary Mallorcan art gallery ABA Art Contemporani. Alejandra trained in art history and Maribel in international relations before the pair launched their gallery in 2004. Although they feature art from around the world, the twins are also keen promoters of Mallorcan artists. Here, they tell us about their native island
What do you love about living in Mallorca?
Mallorca is our home. It’s a very good place to live; it has a wonderful landscape, warm weather, a high standard of living and a great diversity of people from all over the world. All in all, living in Mallorca is magical.
What made you start your gallery?
We both studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Palma. Later on, we studied photography and drawing in Virginia, in the US. When the island brought us back together, we realised it was the ideal moment to start our joint project. In summer 2004 we found the premises – beside the medieval town wall in front of the modern art museum Es Baluard – and by January 2005 we participated in our first international art fair, representing our artists in Miami.
What is the mission of ABA?
To promote young, talented artists and to show, promote and sell contemporary art. We like to emphasise the language, philosophy and sociology within art and focus on artists who inspire us. We also work to satisfy clients who want artworks adapted for private residences, urban spaces and design hotels. Currently we represent almost 20 artists, including two notable Mallorcans, Isabel Ferrer and Ramon Company.
What should a visitor to the island do?
See the sunset from Port de Valldemossa or Sa Foradada in the north of the island. Try a traditional ice-cream and an ensaimada – a typical Mallorcan brioche – at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo in Palma. Visit the historic centre of Palma, get lost in the beautiful little streets. Bar Bosc is a nice place to eat tapas and the restaurant Real Club Náutico offers great food. For dinner we’d recommend Restaurante Livin in a very beautiful part of the City called Santa Catalina. At night, go for a drink at the Opio Bar in the Puro Hotel in La Loja – a lively district for nightlife.
Describe the art scene in Mallorca
There’s a high diversity of art in Mallorca, and every single town on the island offers some kind of museum or art gallery. A lot of artists have lived on the island, including Joan Miró. Since the 19th century, they have come to capture the unique light and the beautiful landscape. Another positive aspect is that the local gallery scene is ambitious, always evolving and ready to support artists.
How do you decide which exhibitions to show?
We like to vary national and international artists and also alternate between paintings, photography and installations. We are currently exhibiting objects, paintings and sculptures by the Catalan artist Antoni Llena (March-April 2007).
Who are your personal favourite artists?
We like the great artist Agnes Martin and the superb Louise Bourgeois. Joan Miró is unmissable – his workshop and foundation are in Palma.
Which six guests would you invite to a dream dinner party?
Our grandmother as the most honoured guest because she is the alma mater of the project; our father, Alejandro Bordoy, for always supporting us; Joan Miró for being an excellent human being and artist; the great Picasso because of his genius and writer Ortega y Gasset for his great knowledge. And the director of Art Basel [the art fair in Switzerland and Miami Beach], Samuel Keller, for being on the pulse of the contemporary art scene.
ABA Art Contemporani
Plaça Porta de Santa Catalina 21, Palma de Mallorca, +34 971 717835, www.abaart.com
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