Museum
JOAN PLANAS
Explore the Mallorca Routes Photography Museum like never before.
Who is Joan Planas Costa?
I've always loved walking and discovering new places. Photography came later, almost naturally, as a way to preserve memories of my hikes and share with others what I saw along the way. In fact, those who know me are familiar with a phrase I often use that perfectly sums up my approach to this hobby: first I take pictures, then I walk.
I don’t consider myself a professional photographer or an artist. I am simply a keen hiker who enjoys exploring the countryside with my camera in hand. My photographs stem from this passion for exploring trails, coves, cliffs and particularly beautiful spots in Mallorca, although I have also had the opportunity to explore and photograph such special places as the Camí de Cavalls in Menorca, various stages of the Camino de Santiago and sections of the historic Via Francigena in Italy.
When I take photographs, I don’t just look for the most spectacular views. I’m also interested in the details of the journey – the paths, the vegetation, the flora, the animals, the rock formations – and those little discoveries that are part of the experience of reaching a place.
One of my most unusual hobbies is pareidolia – the ability to spot recognisable figures, faces and shapes where none appear to exist. Many of those who follow my photographs are well aware of this passion of mine, which encourages me to look at the landscape with a different perspective and to discover little stories hidden within nature.
None of this would be possible without the support of my wife, Dana, my indispensable companion on all my trips. She is the guide, the organiser and, on many occasions, the one responsible for discovering the paths that later end up featuring in my photo essays.
Each photograph is linked to a personal experience – a walk, a conversation, or simply the satisfaction of having reached a special spot after walking several kilometres. But beyond personal memories, there is a motivation that gives meaning to this work: to try to bring Mallorca closer to those who, for various reasons, are unable to visit it, as well as to those who, although originally from Mallorca, live far from the island and wish to keep their connection with their homeland alive.
My greatest satisfaction is not in taking the perfect photograph, but in sharing the beauty of the places I visit and conveying the respect, admiration and affection I feel for them.
The images featured in this digital museum are a selection of outings and experiences enjoyed over the years, shared with the enthusiasm of someone who still savours every trip to the countryside as if it were the first time.
My sincere thanks to Kairoi Art for their interest, trust and dedication to promoting the cultural and natural heritage of our islands, and for making it possible for these images to form part of this digital museum.
