As the island slowly springs back to life after a tranquil winter, Ibiza’s thriving art scene is also blooming. And one event that art enthusiasts should add to their calendar is Maria Gabriella Abdala’s – or Gaby Abdala, as she is also known as – exhibition on April 16th and 17th at renowned design store D Shop.
A multidisciplinary artist whose life and work are deeply entwined with the soulful rhythm of Ibiza, Gaby, who is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed her intuition to the island—a place she committed to calling home before ever setting foot on its shores. That leap of faith, guided by instinct and an unshakable creative drive, continues to shape both her life and her art.
Her latest series, The Joy of Living on Ibiza, is a visual love letter to the island – its light, its textures, and its quiet power.
Working with muted tones on rough hessian, Gaby evokes the timeless beauty of whitewashed Ibicencan fincas and the earthy minimalism of traditional interiors. Her work draws equally from the natural palette of Ibiza and the rich cultural heritage of her Latin American and Middle Eastern roots, weaving together past and present with grace and originality.
More than just an artist, Gaby is a dedicated islander—living close to the land, immersed in music, cycling through the countryside, and cultivating beauty in both her garden and her home. Her art is an extension of this lifestyle: Intuitive, joyful, rooted, and full of light.
Ahead of the exhibition launch, Gaby told us about her fascinating story and how her life’s journey, and connection to Ibiza, have shaped her latest pieces.
When did you first come to Ibiza?
I first became aware of Ibiza through an Ibicenco musician we knew in London, a fantastic drummer called Dani Marin. I am a very intuitive person and I set my mind and heart to come and live here before even visiting the island! I did come a few times before moving here permanently, on the first of November 2014, but these trips simply served to confirm the decision I had already made.
I had done the same decades earlier when I committed to moving to London from Buenos Aires; I always buy a one-way ticket! I fully trust my instincts, and that is how I approach my art, too.
How has the island shaped your art?
The first thing would be the light, which seems to not only shine down gloriously on the island but even on cloudy days, there seems to be an inner glow. Ibiza emits a wonderful and powerful energy, which I try to channel into my work.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself as an artist?
My first recollection of making art is from when I was a child, four years old and sick in bed, and my parents bought me an illustrated book of animals. The page opposite each illustration was blank, and I set about copying each animal with my crayons and pencils. Upon seeing this, my father asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up – and my answer was to be a painter!
As a child, I loved to design houses and interiors as well, and used the Mil Ladrillos to build all sorts of rooms and buildings. Later, in London, I studied interior design – and I remain very interested in developing beautiful interiors, particularly my own home. The island has a wonderful tradition in interior design.
I have worked in fashion, too, in Argentina I designed collections which we presented in fashion shows. It was in London that I started to paint more seriously and developed a style using heavy impasto texture, which for me was something of a revelation.
What is the inspiration behind your latest series of works?
It is very much a response to Ibiza. The muted colours of the sacking I paint on, and the white imagery – like the lime paint used traditionally on the old Ibicencan houses, in a way also connect with my interior design side. Then, of course, there is the connection with my roots and heritage: Latin American cultures, the Aztec, Mayan and Incas, and also my Arabic side from my ancestors in Egypt and Lebanon.
The title of this series is ‘The Joy of Living on Ibiza’. What does this mean to you?
It is a reflection of what living on the island means to me, and many of the people I know: It’s very simple, I feel joy here and I want to celebrate it through my art.
When you’re not painting, what do you like to do on Ibiza? As an island resident, can you share some of your favourite places with us?
I have a very simple, but enriching lifestyle. I live close to nature in the rural north of the island, I help with the ‘huerta’ and cultivate the garden – I love cooking and using the homegrown produce in the kitchen. I love to cultivate the beauty of my living space, which is always evolving! My husband is also an artist, so we spend a lot of time talking about art and considering the direction of each other’s work.
I love to ride my bicycle through the countryside, it’s very important to me and a wonderful way of experiencing and seeing the island – highly recommended!
Music is also a very important part of life for me, we are friends with many of the musicians on the island and try to support and follow them. The Blues Station at Can Jordi on a Saturday afternoon is a favourite, and also Namaste at Las Dalias, where many of our friends perform. And I love the traditional places like Bar Anita in San Carlos.
Finally, one of my favourite beaches is Calla Vadella, from where you can easily pop over to watch the sunset at Es Vedrá.
‘The Joy of Living on Ibiza’ by Gaby Abdala is on display at D Shop near Santa Gertrudis on Wednesday, April 16th and Thursday, April 17th, from 15:00 to 20:00 CET. For further information on Gaby visit www.saatchiart.com/gabylyab.
