This Friday sees a psychedelic art ‘happening’ at Galería Blanca in Ibiza Town as it unveils a new exhibition from photographer/designer Karl Ferris, an original Ibiza island hippy who first came here in 1966. The exhibition, entitled: ‘The Karl Ferris Psychedelic Experience’, will be launched by the artist himself this Friday 7 August at 8pm. Karl will be available during the evening to speak to visitors about the exhibition, his experiences and his body of work.
The exhibition which will run until 16 August will feature iconic record album cover photographs, created by Karl from the late 60’s with well-known artists from that period, including Jimi Hendrix, Cream and Donovan. There will be art, music and visuals to provide a wide perspective of his work.
Limited edition signed prints of the renowned album covers will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition and the gallery is also launching Karl’s brand new set of remixed tracks: ‘Jimi Hendrix - Ibiza Remix’, which give a bang-up-to-date DJ interpretation of some of Hendrix’s classic tracks in an electronic rock fusion. Hendrix even visited Ibiza with Karl in 1968, so there is a close island connection with that legend.
Karl is a pioneer in the field in of psychedelic photography, creating the well recognised Hendrix album cover ‘Are you experienced’, having the artist himself comment to Karl: “You're doing with photography what I'm doing with music – going far out beyond the limits and blowing minds”. Karl went on to design two subsequent album covers for Hendrix, living and working alongside him whilst on tour.
Karl is very much looking forward to the launch of his work at the gallery this Friday, which will cover works from the 60’s and 70’s, both noted psychedelic decades. He says: “I lived in Ibiza for five years in a 500 year old finca, I named ‘Strawberry Fields’ where I had many celebrity visitors; everyone that came including me were inspired by the lifestyle of Ibiza. Now, I am back living on the island permanently working on various projects”.
Galería Blanca introduces new works each week and features painting and sculpture from some of the world’s leading contemporary artists. The gallery is currently showcasing a range of artists including the avant garde figurative work of Texan Todd White; Fabian Perez, famous for bringing to life night-time Buenos Aires; and recent winner of the 2015 Venice Biennale Leone Dei Dogi Award, Antonio Russo amongst many others.
The gallery, which was launched in May this year is located in Vara de Rey and carries many sought-after pieces for collectors that are exclusive to the gallery. It is headed by director Lorraine Fraser and boasts a number of art world professionals that have worked with many of the artists on display. It opens each weekday from 10am and from 5pm on weekends, with collections changing throughout the year. More information can be found on the gallery's website or on their Facebook page.
WORDS | Julian Heathcote
