Galerie Kewenig, Palma de Mallorca

Galerie Kewenig, Oratorio de Sant Feliu, Palma de Mallorca.

On the right as you enter is  a beautifully crafted crown displayed on a white plinth. Made of chrome-plated iron, the links to the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ are obvious (Christian)  but also to the laurel wreaths, called corona radiata  worn by the Roman Emporers (Pagan). A truly exquisite piece of work with intricate detailing and rather at odds with the severity of its surroundings. Again, the effect is astounding.

The huge iron table in the centre covered with meticulously lined up rows of white bread (of hand made plaster) creates a huge impact as you enter the oratory with its religious connotations. Viquez has called it ‘Pan para hoy’.  There  is a traditional Spanish saying that to be born with a loaf of bread under one’s arm means to be born fortunate. The symbolism is poignant in these troubled times - the austerity of the room is a foil to the abundance of the bread. The effect is astonishing.

Galerie Kewenig in Palma is stunning! The gallery space is a magnificent 13th century oratory in the heart of Palma Old Town complete with altar and beautiful stone pillars and floors. The austerity of the white walls is the perfect backdrop for their current exhibition of the works of Uruguayan artist Marcelo Viquez, who now lives in Mallorca.