Pobla de Segur

Joan Lahosa Valimaña (1902-1981) Joan Lahosa, like other artists of the same era, had to work hard to make his mark in the Barcelona of the 20s and 30s. The Amigó Cuyàs Foundation in Barcelona offered him the educational and artistic support he needed, which allowed him to become familiar with the huge art collection of the Prado Museum and to stay in several European locations: Paris, Belgium, Holland and much of Italy. His output was first exhibited at the Syra Gallery (1935), and later at the Layetanas Gallery (1936), where he would return several times. The consequences of the Civil War, which halted so many projects, were harsh on the artist, who saw his work plundered, as well as having to abandon the family home in Prat de Comte given that it was in a battle-ravaged area on the front, yet this did not impede his decision to be a painter. This decision, this life force which Joan Lahosa had displayed from his youth, would accompany him throughout his life. In 1947 he was appointed lecturer in art and colour of the Work School of the Diputació of Barcelona, a position he occupied until his retirement. He combined his teaching work with his artistic production, which was acclaimed by the specialised critics.  It is worth mentioning a work that is on view to the general public, close to Prat de Compte: the paintings of the Mare de Déu de la Fontcalda Sanctuary, in the municipality of Gandesa. Joan Lahosa decorated the temple with scenes from Christian hagiography, recalling a much-venerated event in this region: the apparition of the Virgin of Fontcalda in the pastorets theatre representation of Prat de Compte. It is also worth noting that his religious works are recognised beyond our borders, for example the Via Crucis he painted for the cathedral of Texas in the United States