Discover the hidden gems of the largest Balearic Island through the eyes of the Moroccan artist who has his studio in Palma.
What does the word ‘Majorca’ mean to you?
Majorca, for me, is above all a place where the sea meets the mountains.
It’s the place where you can learn to nap, and find peace and inspiration in equal measure. And of course paella… large amounts of paella.
Your first memory of Majorca?
My first memory is arriving at night, sleeping in a hotel, and waking up in the morning with the sun on my face, then opening the window, and seeing the sea. I knew then, it was destiny.
Where do you feel most at home?
In my studio in Palma, surrounded by my books, where I have the space to think and create.
I think it’s a creative space that looks a lot like me.
What is the mark of a true Majorcan?
In my opinion a real Majorcan is someone who lives in harmony with their environment – who respects and preserves the natural beauty of the island. They are someone who likes to share their culture and history, who is proud of their identity. They are also someone who has an incredible ability to find a party anywhere, anytime.
Which famous figure best embodies Majorca?
I think it is both George Sand and Frédéric Chopin who best embody this island for me. Despite the fact that they only spent a short time here, and that Chopin was often ill and Sand was very critical of the food and the landscape, they managed to create works. If you read her A Winter in Majorca (1841) you will understand.
Your favorite place for breakfast?
My favorite place for breakfast is the Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma. I like the variety and the freshness of the products, and the warm and friendly atmosphere of the market.
Where are the best boutiques?
The best shops, in my opinion, are in the historic area of Palma. There are small independent shops that offer local products, works of art, designer clothes… It’s the best place to get lost and stop looking at your watch.
Guests at your dream dinner party in Majorca?
At my dream dinner, without any hesitation, I would invite Sand and Chopin – I have so many questions to ask them. And to make the evening more poetic still, I would also invite the painter Joan Miró who lived on the island with his wife Pilar Juncosa, setting up his last studio here which then became a foundation.
Where do you go out in Majorca?
I rarely leave the house with a specific program in mind. I often photograph architecture, so I frequently get lost in the streets – I really like that. I walk around the city aimlessly, then I happen across a small local bar or restaurant, see if the atmosphere suits me, and then I go inside.
Which artwork best represents Majorca?
It is really very difficult to choose a work that can represent Majorca, but if I have to, I would say, the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Palma – it is really magnificent.
What is the craziest thing you have heard or seen on the streets/beaches of Majorca?
A herd of sheep strolling nonchalantly on the beach of Port de Sóller in winter, as if they owned the place. In the islands, it often happens that the animals take their places in somewhat surreal places and it amuses me a lot.
What can you only do in Majorca?
What is interesting in Majorca is not what you can do, but that above all you don’t have to do anything. It is doing nothing that makes this island interesting. As I said: no program. Don’t ask anything from this island, let it offer you what it has and you will never be disappointed.
What do you miss most about Majorca when you are away?
I have a traveler’s tip that I learned from Paul Bowles in Tangier: Never think of the place you left, otherwise you will never discover the place where you are.
Your best advice for those just visiting?
Skip the touristy bits, get lost in the narrow streets, eat where the locals eat, and learn a few words in Majorcan. Above all, like a child, always keeps your sense of wonder.
