Romanesque art
In the 12th century, the principality saw a number of Romanesque churches spring up. These holy places played a major role in the life of the inhabitants. The main decorative elements of these buildings were stone friezes carved on the porches of the churches, and occasional faces adorning the bell towers as in Sant Miquel or Santa Coloma.
The production of the 12th century is marked by the masters of Santa Coloma. The Espai Columba now holds the most valuable frescoes. Influenced by the Master of Pedret, the workshop produced frescoes with a popular sensitivity. His style is characterised by the elongation of the faces that he models with red pigment.
The church of Engolasters contains perfect examples of Romanesque paintings from the 12th century. The apse is dominated by a painting of Christ and the archangel Saint Michael. The Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell
is considered to be the Mecca of Andorran culture. Dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Principality, it houses a reproduction of the Virgin of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell and sculptures of the patron saints of the seven parishes of Andorra.Inside theChurch of Sant Joan de Caselles
, a 12th-century stucco reproduction of Christ stands before a painted crucifixion. A 16th century altarpiece, of great interest, testifies to the influence of the Italian and German Renaissance and shows scenes from the life of St. John, patron saint of the church. The Romanesque model spread late in Andorra, due to its geographical location, but it took root there for a long time. This is why specialists speak of an Andorran national art to designate Romanesque art.Sergi Mas
The most emblematic of the Andorran artists is without doubt Sergi Mas. Born in Barcelona in 1930, his paintings, engravings and sculptures exalt the culture of the principality. Sergi Mas grew up in a family of craftsmen before training in sculpture at the Escola d'Arts i Oficis de la Lotja. At a very young age, he developed a passion for popular art and went to Andorra in 1955 to produce a series of drawings. The following year, the Mas family settled in the principality. He signed many sculptures: the statue of Our Lady of Meritxell, the original having been destroyed by fire, and the Counterpàs Dancers on the fountain in the Sant Esteve square. It represents a typical dance that is only danced during the Festa Major. A great draughtsman, he illustrated a series of French, Spanish and Andorran stamps. Every year, the Sergi Mas prize is awarded to a young talent.
Nowadays
Street art is integrated into the curriculum of school initiatives. Lectures and collaborative work encourage young people to embellish their environment. In addition, a street art festival in Andorra brings together mural painting, dance, urban music and skateboarding for three days. The nomadic art gallery and agency Moanin is participating in the event. Since its creation, it has been a strong supporter of urban and contemporary creation, both French and international. Exhibitions in atypical places or in situ projects invite to discover confirmed and emerging artists. Its place on the contemporary art market makes the Moanin gallery a precious springboard for today's Andorran culture.
