IBIZA BOOKS

IBIZA BOOKS

By Laura Martínez

Ibiza is the island that has given rise to many photographs and provided the inspiration for flyers and posters that are true works of art, enticing people to enjoy endless nights of dancing. The highlights of Ibiza’s party scene from the 1960s to the 1990s (the golden years) are collected in these three essential books published by IDEA, available in all the hotels by Concept Hotel Group. Make a note and take a little piece of Ibiza’s essence in your suitcase.

URO VISION - YVES URO

From his arrival on the island, and during 15 years, this Parisian graphic artist Yves Uro (1954-1995) created between 300 and 400 posters for the legendary KU discotheque and other clubs and bars in Ibiza. His original vision, with full-colour psychedelic touches, became a graphic cultural trend. Freehand drawings, finished with airbrushing and advanced painting techniques; posters that are authentic works of art and that contributed, in large part, to defining the island’s aesthetic in the 80s. The book ‘Urovision’, published in 2021 by London-based publisher IDEA, brings together around 100 of Yves Uro’s works, reflecting his genius and much of his extraordinary personal story, told by his sister, Catherine Uro. Uro said: “This is where I want to live” when he first set foot on the island. Here, he became a great friend with Pepe Guasch from Gráficas Pitiusas, who always loved Yves’ craziness. He became a crucial artist in the aesthetic definition of one of Ibiza’s iconic decades. The artistic temperament he inherited from his mother, Nicole, a pianist and actress, is visible in his spectacular posters, representing a period of Ibiza that will always live on in the collective imagination.

IBIZA'89 - DAVE SWINDELLS

Another book from London-based publisher IDEA, Dave Swindells’ book, Ibiza’89 explores the year when music exploded on the island. With a photographic repertoire taken - almost entirely - at the Amnesia opening party in 1989, this fantastic book explores the conversion of a flock of English ravers who fell in love with Ibiza’s nightlife to the sound of Balearic beat and acid house. The white island becomes the main muse for Swindells, a seasoned club culture vulture for much of his adulthood, who captures this remarkable era through his passion for photography. He also has a keen eye for what is important now and what may become iconic in the future. Swindells offers generations of new clubbers and dance music fans an insight into its heritage and glorious history. Ibiza’89 is a reminder of a defining era for the island, the transition from the 80s to the 90s in fashion and music we need in our lives. This is especially true in today’s challenging times for the music industry and the pressure our community and culture are under. We will dance again.

IBIZA - ORIOL MASPONS

Oriol Maspons’ photography is a testimony to the island’s evolution and our society over four decades. The photographs collected in this spectacular book result from his travels, which began in the mid-1950s and continued until the end of the 1980s. This is a time sorely missed by those who were lucky enough to be able to enjoy it. Ibiza was - and still is - a completely distinct place from anywhere else, and nowhere can match the unique energy that the isla bonita exudes. This small island, of just over 500 km2, has operated at two speeds for some time, as Alex Maspons explains in the book’s prologue: the first is slow and relaxed, populated by the long-stay inhabitants who live and understand the real Ibiza. The second is totally differrent: fast and loose tourists ready to enjoy their short stay to the max, as quickly as possible. People who come and go as if there were no tomorrow. The locals serenely and kindly welcomed these fast-living newcomers, observing their rituals with curiosity and disinterest. Maspons’ photography reflects this dual reality, this dual personality of the island and its protagonists. The book is published by IDEA with images courtesy of Oriol Maspons and Agony & Ectasy Gallery.