Joan Vives Llull

JOAN VIVES LLULL (Mahón, Menorca, 1901 - 1982).
"Coastal village".
Oil on canvas.
Signed in the lower left corner.
Attached label of the Sala Giannini of La Coruña.
Measurements: 46 x 55 cm; 59 x 67 cm (frame).
Joan Vives Llull was the most outstanding Minorcan painter of his time. He was formed in Majorca with Anglada-Camarasa, in the so called "School of Pollença". However, after five years his family asked him to return to Menorca, as they expected him to work in what was common at that time (liberal professions, sailors, etc.). He then began a period of closure and isolation on the island. To make ends meet, he worked as a drawing teacher at the high school in Mahón, and took on the responsibilities of director of the municipal school. These occupations allowed him to continue his love of drawing until his death in 1982, holding some painting exhibitions on the island and, occasionally, in various cities in the rest of Spain. He showed his work frequently in the Balearic Islands, and took part in official exhibitions such as the First Spanish Exhibition of Fine Arts, held in Salamanca in 1944. Also, in 1976 a tribute was dedicated to him in Menorca, an important exhibition of his work celebrated in the hall of the Caixa d'Estalvis del Castell. He is currently represented in the Museum of Menorca and in the Museum of Ses Voltes in Mallorca, as well as in various private collections.