Fans of art have reason to celebrate.  Milan-born Paco Polenghi takes over the space that was the Van der Voort Gallery for decades, in the heart of Dalt Vila, opening it up to artistic and cultural creativity.

Paco Polenghi Contemporary Art

Ibiza gears up to face the future at a high level, also so far as art is concerned.

After some years of emptiness, the fortified precinct dons its Sunday best to host one of the most awaited events of the summer 2007: the re-opening of what used to be the Van der Voort Gallery, now the Paco Polenghi Gallery.

 “He gave it his name, and now I’ve given it mine; I think that’s the correct thing”, says this Milanese, brought up amongst antiques and works of art, conscious of the importance of the heritage he’s taking over.

“The owners of this gallery have managed, throughout its history, to be at one with current movements without ever forgetting curiosity, searching, experimentation and the opening of new tendencies”.

When asked why this venue and not another, Polenghi is quite clear.  “I was lucky.  It seemed very interesting, very attractive and with history”.

He plans to organise expositions by artists independently of their particular discipline (painting, sculpture, photography, installation) and their origin, as well as poetry recitals and small concerts.

 “Any cultural or artistic manifestation without geographical boundaries, the important thing is quality, the message.  Art is an abstract concept.  Art is synonymous with love”.

Big names and a long history.

In 1966 the Van der Voort Gallery opened its doors in the heart of Dalt Vila, the most prestigious of all which have come and gone on this island of painters, anarchists and dreamers.  Erwin Bechtold, Eduardo Chillida, Pierre Dmitrienko, Joaquim Gomis, Antonio Saura, Julio González, Pablo Picasso and Antonio Tàpies have been just a few of the creators who have illuminated this world-famous space with their work.

After some years of uncertainty, the gallery re-opens its doors under the name of its new and current mentor: Paco Polenghi Gallery.