Pilar Cortadella: Andorra's Trailblazing Gallery Owner and Women's Rights Pioneer

Pilar Cortadella exudes a natural elegance that goes beyond her poised short haircut, geometric glasses, and matching blouse and shoes. Speaking with grace, gesturing with finesse, and offering a transparent gaze, she met at her gallery, Art al set, which she founded nearly 20 years ago in Andorra. Surrounded by works from artist Judit Gaset-Flinch, the space underscores her role in promoting local talent alongside established names, fostering encounters between artists and the public that have bolstered Andorra's cultural scene.

Born in Sant Feliu de Llobregat to a working-class family—her father fought on the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War—Cortadella began working young due to limited family resources for higher education. At nearly 50, once her youngest daughter started university, she enrolled at the UNED to pursue studies. Early on, she grasped the importance of financial independence for women, especially under restrictions requiring paternal or spousal permission for a bank account, business, or driver's license. "We passed from the tutelage of one man to another," she recalled.

Determined to drive, symbolizing autonomy, she first completed mandatory social service run by the Falange's women's section. Her family acquired a greyish-blue Renault 4L, and with her mechanically savvy but non-driving father, she took the wheel around Barcelona, ferrying him to clients and suppliers while handling errands.

Arriving in Andorra with her husband from Franco's Spain, she found the Principat surprisingly village-like yet oriented toward France and Paris, which captivated her on their first trip with its grand avenues and Galeries Lafayette. More open and cosmopolitan than late-dictatorship Barcelona, it energized their young family. She shared lively memories, like organising a school fundraiser in Escaldes-Engordany with friends including Jordi Marquet—complete with failed plans for performers Bertín Osborne and Eugenio—and lobbying head of government Josep "Pepone" Pintat alongside Xavier Espot Miró for better school facilities.

In the early 1980s, opening a hotel with her husband and another couple highlighted women's limitations, such as needing spousal consent for businesses or bans on tubal ligation. This spurred her to connect with others, leading her to become the first president of the Andorran Women's Association (ADA), formally established in 1994 post-Constitution. The group provided support—often emotional, with tissues at the ready—filled institutional gaps, and gently enforced attendance. Among her proudest achievements: spearheading Andorra's first study on women's status, securing funding from UNESCO's Andorran commission, public bodies, and private entities through her dialogic, mobilising approach.

Now active as ever, Cortadella gyms at Caldea, volunteers for language programs, walks local trails daily, pursues a master's for seniors at UIC-Barcelona, manages the gallery, cares for her ailing husband, and enjoys part-time grandmother duties. She hikes with "las matxacas"—her tireless friends' group—and skis or socialises with others from political circles. Still driving confidently, her 4L days behind her, she remains unstoppable. "I can't sit still," she admits with a laugh.