It shapes streets and squares and has long been more than a subversive part of culture. In a city like Palma street art gives character to entire neighborhoods. One of the early and prominent protagonists here is Marc Peris, aka SOMA. Even the artist’s name is a reference to Jean-Michel Basquiat and his tag SAMO in the New York of the late 70s and early 80s. But street art is not only an expression of its time, it is often also temporary in that the works disappear through the demolition or renovation of houses and walls.

These days, works by SOMA surprisingly reappeared in a gallery on Mallorca. As a photographic reproduction but without knowledge or even consent of the artist. Who is understandably mad: „What kind of people speculate with the work of others making and selling pirated copies of street art?“ A different kind of art theft, but perhaps particularly perfidious because street artists are usually not paid for their work. Unless they are acknowledged, and like Joan Aguiló or SOMA, commissioned by shops, hotels or municipalities. The shutters of many stores in Palma are now adorned with a mural.

And for those who want to hang a SOMA on the inside wall of their apartment the artist himself repeatedly offers small size replicas at an affordable price. In fact, I have once given away a street art print as a present. But my favorite thing to do is walk around the city as if it were a large and busy museum. I take pleasure in the familiar works of art, the permanent collection, so to speak. And I’m always excited to discover something new. Some of it I introduce on Estilo Palma. Today, I want to share a few works from Es Molinar, El Terreno or Sa Gerreria that only exist in memory.