Pedro Mesquida, the art of dry painting

Presenting my grandfather and his artistic work is an exciting and special opportunity for me, filled with memories and emotions.


The factors that shape our aesthetic taste have a lot to do with our personal culture: with our daily conversations, with reading, with the expression of our feelings and emotions… The influence of the family environment is key to developing artistic sensitivity, and in our family, art has been present for several generations.
I remember how my mother used to tell me that when she was very young, the paintings of her father, my grandfather, hung on the various walls of the family home. Those paintings were, and still are, a living testament to his talent and passion. Those works were more than mere decorations; they were windows into his soul and his artistic universe.


My grandfather’s artistic career is fascinating and full of moments of intense creativity. Self-taught from the beginning and to this day, he has honed his skills over the years, although he has not painted continuously. His work has gone through different stages, reflecting the various moments of his life. Since 2012, however, he has reconnected with his true passion for painting, and even today he continues to create and showcase his work with renewed enthusiasm. It has been a journey full of learning and rediscoveries, where each stage has brought new perspectives and techniques to his artistic expression.

The diversity and beauty of our beloved Mallorca have been an endless source of inspiration for many artists, and it is no different with our grandfather. His works capture the tranquility and natural beauty of the island: the majestic mountains, the intense coastal light, and especially the sea with its boats, which seem to dance on the waves. Every landscape he captures is a testament to his deep love for his homeland, and every brushstroke reflects his dedication and passion for art.


My memories with my grandfather are filled with special moments, like our walks along the coast, always near the sea. The sea has always given him a sense of relaxation and peace, and it has been an ally in difficult times, helping him reflect and find solutions to the various challenges that life has presented him. Our adventures with the camera, taking pictures of boats, bell towers, and landscapes, are unforgettable memories that hold a unique beauty. Those days exploring the hidden corners of Mallorca, searching for the perfect light or the ideal angle, were moments of learning and bonding.


Being able to enjoy the sea from a boat has been an experience of peace and freedom for my grandfather. Enjoying the vastness of the sea, feeling free, and being part of something greater are sensations he has masterfully conveyed to us through his paintings. Each painting is an invitation to share his serene and profound vision of the island. These works not only capture the beauty of Mallorca but also its essence, its light, and its spirit. Every brushstroke, every shade of blue or green transports us to the most beautiful and peaceful places on the island.


Presenting his work today is a way to pay tribute not only to his talent but also to his passion and his ability to convey emotions through art. Every painting tells a story, a moment frozen in time that speaks to us of his personal and artistic journey. His ability to capture the essence of moments and transform them into art is a gift that allows us to see the world through his eyes. This exhibition is an opportunity to connect with his vision and to better understand his passion. I am deeply grateful to be able to share this journey with you, and I hope that each painting inspires you as much as it has inspired me over the years. Every painting is a tribute to his perseverance, his ability to see beauty in the smallest details, and his capacity to transform that beauty into art that resonates with all who behold it.


I hope you enjoy the exhibition as much as I enjoy accompanying you on this journey through the life and work of my beloved grandfather. This exhibition is not just an art show but an emotional journey and a testament to his dedication and love for painting and our homeland. It is an honor for me to share this family treasure with all of you, and I hope his works inspire and move you as much as they have inspired me.

Saura S. Mesquida
Social and Cultural Anthropologist