Art is everywhere in Es Racó d’Artà, a unique enclave in the Balearic Islands. Today we dedicate ourselves to a very special artist whose works can be seen and felt in different places of this extraordinary place. Namely Hiroshi Kitamura, who was born in Hokkaido (Japan) in 1955 and settled in Camallera, a small village in the Empordà, with his partner Marta in 2012. Today, he tells us about his approach to art, his inner conflict and who his art ultimately belongs to.
The artist
“Half of me is in Japan and the other half is here. I am a hybrid. Sometimes, the feeling of being divided can cause a conflict in me, but it also does positive things. The mother, the language, the culture I belong to is Japanese. There are feelings in me that cannot be transferred because of that, and despite the memories of Japan that are anchored somewhere deep inside me, I still look for the culture here too. I’m not interested in the differences (of which there are thousands), but in the similarities we have.”
Despite his academic training as a sculptor and graphic artist, Hiroshi is nevertheless rather self-taught. When he comes up against the limits of technique, he doesn’t try to overcome them, but to figure out his own way. For his creations, he uses all the materials at his disposal to create something – be it pencil, earth, cement, titanium lux, pigment, glue, paper or bitumen. What others throw away, he rescues – from felling, storm or fire – so that, after being processed through him, it takes on a new life beyond its original form.
“I never know exactly what I will use, because it is the materials that find me. The forests are full of life. I always find broken, rotten materials – trunks, branches, stones, moss, which I can transform into a composition, as in ikebana, which eventually takes over the space in the room. The gaps or voids it leaves are fundamental elements of the overall perception.”
So, Hiroshi chooses his material very conscientiously. He chooses everything that is accessible, that is reachable, that surrounds his living space. With him, we don’t have to look beyond the here and now.
“All these forests or branches were born here, they belong to this land and that is exactly why I use them. It is a branch, for example, that has long since ceased to live. It has already dried up or died, but its bend has survived. Its bend has a cause just like the life of a human being. It is not linear, it branches out, it crosses my path, a shoot comes forth, it seeks the sun, it seeks other things. I converse with each branch and admire it. That’s the way I relate to the material of my work. It’s a very deep relationship. My feeling is like this plant matter that holds the power of life and its beauty. Once I create something, because of that, it doesn’t belong to me anymore.”
The hotel
On the edge of the National Park of the Llevant Peninsula near the town of Artà in northeast Mallorca, the famous Mallorcan architect Toni Esteva has created a wellness hotel in a class of its own – Es Racó D’Artà. A retreat full of color and texture, unique smells and tastes, sounds of nature, elegant art and minimalist architecture.
In addition to classic Mallorcan life, Es Racó D’Artà offers a variety of workshops from culinary, agriculture, handicrafts, meditation and yoga. Alone or in a group, guests can explore the surrounding area on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Afterwards, the spa and wellness area with whirlpool and sauna offers the perfect place to unwind.
Inspired by the origins of Mallorca
The old Mallorcan estate from the 13th century is a great project of nature, culture and sustainability. On almost 200 hectares of land, in addition to the hotel complex, there are vineyards, orchards, wheat fields and beehives for its own honey production. A place to connect with oneself and one’s surroundings and to follow new spiritual paths.
The 34 double rooms are spread throughout the grounds, some in the main building, some in casitas with private pools. Minimalist design and noble, natural materials characterize the interior and reflect the harmony with nature. Ecological and regional diversity can also be found throughout the grounds – in the hotel’s own restaurant in the form of traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Best Room – Casita with private pool
Enjoy privacy and exclusivity in your 50 sqm casita with private pool. Wake up to the sound of the water and refresh yourself with a jump into cool water. After an eventful day, relax in the 70 sqm outdoor area. Enjoy the warm rays of the sun on the terrace, read a book under the open starry sky or make yourself comfortable in the Balinese bed.
Es Racó D’Artà is a member of Lifestylehotels.