Bettina Gleiss
Bettina Gleiss, born in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1955, was immersed in an academic and artistic milieu during the transformative era of Joseph Beuys and other avant-garde artists who revolutionized the art world. She earned her Bachelor of Education (BE Hons) from Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster. In 1983, seeking a creative outlet, she relocated to Menorca with her family, only to later find her true passion for the arts in London at Chelsea Art College. For a decade, she balanced her role as an art therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington with exhibiting her own work through the ceramic collective ‘The Edge,’ advocating for ceramics as a legitimate art form rather than mere functional objects. The vibrant London art scene of the 90s, with its homage to icons like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and the emergence of innovative talents such as Tony Cragg, Antony Gormley and Martin Smith, profoundly influenced her. The inauguration of Tate Modern provided a groundbreaking venue for contemporary art. In 2005, she returned to Menorca, where she delved into the traditional Menorcan stucco technique, infusing her clay sculptures with color. Starting with the pristine white of sculpting clay, her creations are a manifestation of her INNER VOICE, seeking artistic expression.
​
Pep Batalla
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Barcelona (1957), Pep Batalla, a multifaceted virtuoso, began his artistic odyssey in London at the end of the 80s. For 18 years, he consolidated his artistic skills as a graphic designer and photo stylist. In the 90s, he worked as an image and photography consultant, offering guidance in the world of fashion and collaborating with brands such as Amancay Ltd and The Body Shop UK. His artistic alliances gave rise to the so-called "Art Books". Visually captivating, fusing photographic montage with avant-garde design. Inspired by the sources of creative giants such as Victor Vasarely, the master of Op Art; Sol LeWitt, the pioneer of conceptual art and Josef Albers, the influential teacher of the Bauhaus school; Pep Batalla has forged a distinctive style of large-format photography. He calls this technique "painting with light"; immersing viewers in a sensory journey that explores light, colour, movement and the whimsical elements of time, geometry and symmetry. His art transcends traditional boundaries, intertwining graphic design concepts to create unconventional and thought-provoking images. Each piece evokes a unique feeling, depending on the context and environment in which it is displayed, inviting viewers to connect with the artwork on a deeply personal level. In addition to his dazzling large-format photography, Pep Batalla continues to challenge creative boundaries by designing multifunctional furniture concepts for contemporary interiors. The term "decorative art"; as he calls it; it encapsulates the practice of creating objects that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. His innovative approach to art, craft and design invites viewers to embark on a sensory journey, experiencing the world through a new and imaginative lens.
