Sergi Mas, Andorra's Defining Sculptor and Polymath, Dies at 95

Sergi Mas, the Barcelona-born sculptor and polymath who defined Andorran culture for over seven decades, has died at 95 after a prolonged illness.

The artist passed away early Tuesday in Sant Julià de Lòria, where he had kept his workshop at Casa Duró in Aixovall since 1957. Leaders, artists and friends hailed him as an unmatched creator whose sculptures, paintings, engravings, ceramics, wood carvings, illustrations, posters, ex-libris, ethnological studies and writings transformed public spaces into living records of Andorran landscapes, traditions and identity.

On the day of his death, Massana's cònsol major Eva Sansa learned of the loss while overseeing efforts to inspect fire-damaged buildings in Arinsal. Her team, including firefighters and police, confirmed that Mas's monumental ceramic mosaic—commissioned in 1989 by Aigües d'Arinsal for its reception hall—had survived the blaze that gutted the bottling plant last week. Measuring 15 metres long by 4 metres high, the work depicts the water's journey from Arinsal's mountain springs through bottling and distribution to consumers in restaurants, on cycling routes and beyond, featuring the brand's slogan "Com més alta, més pura". Sansa noted some pre-existing tile damage but called the discovery "the best homage we can offer Sergi Mas", adding that initial checks suggest the supporting structure remains sound. Preservation steps are now underway.

Earlier, Sansa and cònsol menor Roger Fité had rescued Mas's bronze sculpture *L'Excursionista* (1990) from the plant's facade. The 110cm-tall figure, cast in Reus and the sole large version of a series gifted to VIP clients, now rests temporarily at Massana's communal offices. Its owner, the site's entrepreneur, will decide its future placement; a smaller replica adorns Bixessarri's fountain.

Head of Government Xavier Espot described Mas's life as "a work of art and love—for the country, art, craft and things well done", praising his ability to "see beauty where others see only cracks". Culture Minister Mònica Bonell called him an "immense and beloved artist" whose presence graces every parish and collective memory, recalling his November Orde de Carlemany ceremony at Centre Cultural Lauredià and plans for a posthumous tribute.

Sant Julià de Lòria's cònsol menor Sofia Cortesao deemed the loss national, citing Mas's works in hundreds of public and private spaces; the parish plans a mourning day and joint obituary with all comús. Projects continue, including a Cerqueda family wood panel of Casa de la Vall's kitchen for Lauredià's auditorium foyer by June 25, and a Marratxa-inspired sculpture at Solà roundabout from his 20-year-old sketch, with dancers, parish lettering and twin-city monoliths.

Born in 1930 to artisans in Barcelona's Raval, Mas studied at Escola d'Arts i Oficis de la Llotja before arriving amid Spain's post-war struggles to assist Bonaventura Naudí on La Rabassa's Sant Cristòfol carving—stolen soon after but anonymously returned in 2003 to Aixovall's heritage office. Highlights include the post-1972 Meritxell Virgin, Andorra la Vella's placeta Sant Esteve dancers, Casa de la Vall and Tribunal de Corts furniture, stamps and ethnological collections. His books feature prize-winning *Cassigalls*, *El moble a Andorra*, *Les valls desitjades* and his final *Tafetans de justícia*, anecdotes from early bailiff days, launched last week at Lauredià—too ill for him to attend. France awarded him Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2008.

The Escola d’Art de Sant Julià de Lòria's Sergi Mas Prize and 2021 Sala Sergi Mas at Casa Comuna honour him. Grandson Hèctor Mas directed a 2017 Societat Andorrana de Ciències documentary. Former ministers Susanna Vela and Sílvia Riva lauded his mentorship, cultural funding advocacy and arts professionalisation; Vela his "simplicity and honesty", Riva his 90th birthday events amid pandemic and prize updates.

Sant Julià Culture Councillor Teresa Areny saw him as an "external gaze" elevating traditions. Friends like Daniel Areny, Eva Arasa, Txema Díaz-Torrent, Manel Gibert and others recalled his teaching generosity, humour and Andorran devotion, urging a space for his ethnographic collection. La Xarranca, where he was honorary president, noted his youthful spirit. Síndic General Carles Ensenyat said his work would inspire generations.

Other "miracles" include a rare 1971 oil *Dàlies*, retrieved from a Prada Casadet dumpster by Oriol Vilella, now headed for restoration. Massana sources also mention a customs mosaic at Runer. Calls grow for a full catalogue and expanded public itinerary of his 150+ works.