Influential Colombian-born, New York-based gallerist and art collector Lio Malca has launched a spectacular new 8,000 sq. ft. exhibition space on the island of Ibiza with an exhibition of works by the Brooklyn-based artist and designer KAWS, featuring the monumental seven-metre-tall sculpture “Clean Slate” as well as a number of paintings and prints. The new exhibition space occupies the newly transformed LA NAVE, an old salt warehouse overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.Malca, who has a house in Ibiza, told BLOUIN ARTINFO that he is attracted to magical places, of which Ibiza is one example. A desire to establish a stronger connection with the community and the locals of Ibiza was Malca’s motivation to establish an exhibition space on the island. “I feel that the island vibrates beautifully and it was ready to have some more art and culture. And this is what I know the most so this is my way of giving back to the island,” he said.“I have been visiting Ibiza and from day one wondered how I could give back to the island. After 10 years I came across LA NAVE, and it was one of the answers – I felt it was the right time and space to make these pieces accessible to the public,” said Malca. “My vision is to create an exhibition space that aims to not only be a celebration of the artwork it will showcase, but also to celebrate the island of Ibiza itself.”As well as will showcasing Lio Malca’s and his family’s amazing art collection, which features works by the likes of Nobuyoshi Araki, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marco Brambilla, George Condo, Keith Haring, Vik Muniz, Kenny Scharf and Andy Warhol, to name a few, LA NAVE will also serve as a hub of cultural and artistic dialogue and exchange, hosting museum-quality exhibitions and engaging with the local community of artists.The KAWS exhibition was inspired by Malca’s desire to inaugurate the space with “something contemporary, something colourful, something happy, something with a lot of joy.” There is also a strong connection between “La Nave” and KAWS’ “Clean Slate” sculpture, the title of which Malca said reflects the transformation of the space from a warehouse into a cultural space. “It’s a new start and a new beginning for the space,” he said.“KAWS: Clean Slate” is at LA NAVE, Las Salinas – Ibiza, Spain until October 10, 2015. More information here
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