Jordi Pagans i Monsalvatje

Who is Jordi Pagans i Monsalvatje?

Jordi Pagans i Monsalvatje was born in El Masnou, April 18, 1932. Son of Alfred Pagans i Llauró and Clara Monsalvatje i Iglèsias, both coming from families of a long and rich artistic tradition which included members such as the guitar player and singer Llorenç Pagans i Julià, brother of his grand grandfather, and good friend of Wagner and Edgar Degas' father. In several Degas’ paintings, the chanteur Pagans is portrayed alongside with the painter's father.

Also, his grandfather, Francesc Monsalvatje i Fossas, developed important historical studies about the ancient Country of Besalú. Not to forget his uncle Xavier Monsalvatje i Iglèsias, writer and painter, and finally his cousin Xavier Montsalvatge i Bassols, who is considered the most important Catalan composer of his generation.

Jordi Pagans began painting in 1948. In 1950 he studies with Saturo López and assists to night classes in the School of Fine Arts of Barcelona. In 1956 he works in the "atelier" of Josep Roca Sastre, whose teachings and orientation are decisive in his formative years.