IBIZA, THE ‘OTHER’ SIDE, THE TABERNACLE, NOTTING HILL GATE, LONDON W11, MARCH 3rd-8th 2015: In this exhibition, photographer Morten Vilhelm Keller presents work from his recent years on the magical island of Ibiza, a place he often refers to as “Little Big Island”. The exhibition focuses on the ‘other’ side of Ibiza that many are now coming to know and love: a world away from the crazy nightlife and party lifestyle that it has become so famous for over the last 25 years. Morten invites us to experience the gentle side of an island rich with fascinating people and magical places. His work beautifully captures the spiritual, mystical aspect of a place that is hard to define in words or pictures. He records fleeting moments which remind the viewer of the beauty in the small things. Then the iconic Es Vedra and Beniras rock, majestic, emerging from the crystal blue waters are breathtaking. Morten’s ability to beautifully juxtapose the human presence into these landscapes, is a testament to his many years on the island. There is a great respect for the island, not just from the native Ibicencos but equally from the countless international travellers who have made it their home; for the nature, the sea, the mountains. There is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to exist in this wonderland, and for me, Morten’s photographs are in the service of this nature, there is a humble quality to the pictures which give a unique insight into the Paradise that it truly is. – Elizabeth Smith, curator
In the photographers own words: “We all see things differently, even photography can be like abstract art, particularly in my series of nature details. I enjoy when people draw freely on their own imagination. It is hard to plan a great picture, usually it encounters you, or you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. I love these moments – still life’s, moving waters, sunsets or dusks, rainbows, reflection, shadows and silhouettes. I feel like I am invited by curiosity and I want to stir the imagination of the viewer, to embrace our multi-dimensional, enigmatic and enchanting world. The camera is the perfect tool for using our perceptive vision. I owe my thanks to the island of Ibiza. Its seemingly endless panorama of micro-life and mega-scopes, and to the people – the native population and the whole of the international crowd that makes up a true melting-pot of cultures and traditions, unlike any other place in the world.”
Photographer, composer and writer, Morten Vilhelm Keller was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1957. He has lived and worked in Spain, USA, France, India and Mexico. Studied photography with wildlife and fashion photographer Peter Beard in New York City in the late 70’s and after years working for The Rungstedlund Foundation, The Danish Academy and as resident director for the Fundación Valparaíso, an International Artist Residence in Andalucía, Spain, he has worked freelance, producing and directing video documentaries, composing, playing and publishing music. He has had exhibitions in Mexico, Spain and Denmark. His work is represented in books and magazines worldwide. He first came to Ibiza as a child in 1967 and since 2009 he has been an integral part of the island’s artist community.
The ornamental olive
with its cracks and crevices;
its whispering wrinkles
and observing oculars
its hollowed ears
and secret language
leaves me rooted
and unified. 
Ibiza - The "Other" Side 