Andorran Artists Shine at Manresa's Jardins de Llum Festival

Andorran artists made a strong impression at this weekend's Jardins de Llum festival in Manresa, with three local creators drawing crowds alongside international works.

Pere Moles, one of the participants and a member of Reunió de Papaia—the Andorran firm that coordinated Andorra's contributions—described the event as a clear success. Speaking after the Saturday and Sunday evening displays, he noted an "avalanche of people" exploring the installations in Manresa's historic centre, despite the challenge of tracking attendance for open-air exhibits. "Everyone was very happy and treated us well," Moles said, praising the nighttime route illuminated by light and water installations during the Festa de la Llum.

Reunió de Papaia brought five pieces to the festival for the first time, including three from Andorran talents. Moles unveiled his new work, *Emergència*, at Plaça Sant Domènec, using 200 V16 beacons to highlight society's constant state of urgency. Visitors frequently stopped to ask about it, with some arriving specifically for the event. He was struck by the number of European artists specializing in such displays.

Naiara Galdós's *Som il·lusions* and Anna Mangot's *Cabdal*—both originating from the Andorra Crea initiative, which promotes national talent to external programmers—also featured prominently. Mangot's piece appeared in the Gothic hall of Manresa's Seu, generating interest after catching attention at L’Andart25.

The other contributions from Reunió de Papaia included Filty Lucker's *Krakens* at Torre Sobrerroca and Luis Machi's *Sleeping*, both previously shown at L’Andart25 and sparking visitor curiosity.

Moles credited the festival's new artistic director, Albert Gusi—who collaborates with Andorra's biennial—for a "powerful change" that has been well-received. The event transformed the city centre into an immersive art trail, with highlights like the mapped projections on the town hall facade and the much-photographed *Ziza*.