Modernism is one of the most important art movements in Catalonia, one that played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of Catalonia at the turn of the 20th century.

The movement drew clear inspiration from parallel artistic trends throughout Europe, known by different names such as Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, or Modern Style.

While the world of painters was very male-dominated, with Catalans Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol responsible for bringing the movement from Paris to Catalonia, a few women also made their mark on the movement in Catalonia, namely Lluïsa Vidal.  

Emma Monrós Rosell joins Lea Beliaeva Bander to delve into this pivotal art movement, exploring some of its defining characteristics and motifs, as well as some of its most influential artists.

We hear from art historian Elina Norandi, who sheds light on the notable absence of women in this movement, and we share some recommendations for contemporary female Catalan artists to watch.

This week’s Catalan phrase is “Una flor no fa estiu, ni dues primavera,” which translates as ”One swallow does not make a summer.”