A Fulfilling Art Experience on a Balearic Islet (Hauser & Wirth, Menorca)

by Laura Lati | Jul 16, 2024 | Columns

Hauser & Wirth Menorca on the Illa del Rei. Courtesy Beaux-Arts Magazine

The island of Menorca is entirely a UNESCO Biosphere. The most memorable way for art lovers to interact with its Iberian light and natural wonders is a visit to Hauser & Wirth.

Since 2021, from May to October, this Balearic Sea islet, on the east of Menorca, welcomes visitors to experience art with all their senses. I have been wanting to visit it since it was announced and finally made it happen mid-June, to my utmost delight. A dedicated Hauser & Wirth yellow shuttle boat (easy to reserve online) took me from Mahon’s harbor to the Illa del Rey.

The visit allows you to go back in time with a tour of a former British navy hospital built in 1711 where you can appreciate all departments of a hospital with the tools and installations still laid out the way they were in the 18th century. At the same time, next to this historical site, you get to view the most contemporary world renown artists.

Roni Horn (b.1955) and Eduardo Chillida (1924-2002) at Hauser & Wirth Menorca © Laura Lati for artfairmag

I was drawn by New York artist Roni Horn (b.1955) and her conceptual pristine round structures (‘Untitled (“A witch is more lovely than thought in the mountain rain.”, 2018)’ in various colors. The nine cast-glass sculptures appeared like an assembly of pools that bathe in Mediterranean light through the large window panes around the South Galleries. Their translucent and glossy texture gives the impression of a still, yet shimmering liquid surface.

More works exhibited by artist Roni Horn included ‘Black Asphere’, a copper asymmetrical sphere, a pure gold sculpture ‘Double Mobius, v.2’ and luminous bar-shaped sculptures featuring verses from the poems of Emily Dickinson, from Horn’s ‘Keys and Cue’ series (1994-2003). The exhibition will be on until October 27^th, 2024.

Through minimalist stark shapes, Horn’s works explore identity with its multiple complex layers and intricacies. Similar sculptures have in the past few years been exhibited at the Fondation Beyeler, the De Pont Museum in the Netherlands, the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh and the Fondacio Joan Miro to name a few.

The Northern galleries showcased Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida (1924-2002) celebrating his centennial. A large part of his oeuvre is inspired by Menorca’s Talayotic era, as well as the waves and white light of the island. Chillida created some of the works on view during his time on the island. The show includes works on paper, wood reliefs, alabaster and steel sculptures.

The 1,500 sq.m. art center was built in line with preserving the greenery, wilderness and ecosystem of the area, and the Menorca location puts Hauser & Wirth at the forefront of the art world’s mission to be more sustainable in the long term and to turn art into an experience, accessible for all. Architect Luis Laplace masterfully led the restoration of the site and the gardens were designed by Piet Oudolf. You can follow the path around the park to admire outdoor sculptures by Pipilotti Rist, Gary Simmons, Stefan Brüggemann and Eduardo Chillida with the turquoise sea as backdrop.

This breathtaking and peaceful haven enhances the beauty of the artworks and weaves the visitor into an interactive art experience. To top it off, a relaxing delicious lunch at Cantina, the on-site local cuisine restaurant, with fresh seafood and market vegetables, is a must to conclude the visit before taking the Ferry back.