PALMA honors jørn utzon's legacy with curated collection at his mallorca house

jørn utzon legacy revived with curated collection by palma

Mexican studio PALMA has landed at Can Lis, the iconic residence of Danish architect Jørn Utzon in Mallorca, Spain, as part of a residency program launched by Statens Kunstfond and the Utzon Foundation. Titled Collections and recollections, the project invites artists and architects to engage with Utzon’s legacy, using the property’s central patio as a laboratory for creative expression. Each participant curates a collection or makes observations, contributing to a broader understanding of the architect’s work and the architectural beauty of the Can Lis residence.

all images © PALMA

exploring the architect’s pre-hispanic influences at can lis

Collections and recollections by PALMA (see more here) at Can Lis explores Jørn Utzon’s encounter with the ancient ruins of Mayan and Zapotec temples in 1949, which profoundly influenced his architectural vision. Particularly captivated by the platforms or plateaus upon which these temples were constructed, Utzon’s philosophy was deeply shaped by the majestic settings of Monte Albán in Oaxaca. These platforms, appearing as independent entities floating above the rainforest, inspired him to conceptualize spaces with new horizons and perspectives. Monte Albán, a Zapotec site in Oaxaca, is not only a source of architectural inspiration but also a symbol of cultural richness. The discovery of Monte Albán’s treasure in 1932, comprising over 230 objects made from sacred materials, shifted perceptions of pre-Hispanic art from monumental expressions to the intricate craftsmanship of smaller, detailed objects.

This discovery emphasized the importance of detailed artistry, which resonates with the project’s aim to explore new perspectives through curated collections, creating a new horizon at Can Lis and transforming it into a space of exploration, dialogue, and artistic collaboration. At the central patio, PALMA choreographed an exhibitionary display, with bright blue squares and lines dispersed to fit the multi-sized floor tiling like a game of puzzle.

Collections and recollections at Can Lis