A tribute to Catalan literature and art
The sacred mountain of Montserrat became the perfect setting for the 60th edition of the Critics' Awards Serra d'Or, an event that highlights the cultural vitality of Catalunya. This Wednesday, the Museu de Montserrat witnessed a ceremony that brought together prominent authors and artists, celebrating their contributions to literature and the arts.
Writer Núria Perpinyà was awarded the Critics' Award Serra d'Or in the novel category for her work The Invisible Body. In her speech, Perpinyà evoked a powerful metaphor about Catalunya, describing Montserrat as “the lungs” of the country and highlighting how each region plays a vital role in Catalan identity. Her book, which explores scientific and literary themes related to the human body, has been enthusiastically received by critics and readers alike.
Poet Sebastià Alzamora also shone at this gala, receiving the poetry award for his work Sala Augusta followed by Mother Tongue. In an emotional tribute, he dedicated his award to figures such as Josep Piera, who recently passed away, as well as to those who have suffered under oppressive regimes. Alzamora warned of the dangers of the return of “old dragons” that threaten not only poetry but also democracy and the Catalan language.
The essay The Rock and the Air. Art and Religion from Llull to Tàpies, written by Raül Garrigasait, earned recognition in this edition. Garrigasait reflected on how the most distant can be closest to our cultural roots. Quoting composer Frederic Mompou, he emphasized that there is always time to start anew in our artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Apart from the main awards, other authors were recognized in various categories. In children's and youth literature, Tina Vallès won for Unexpected Letters, while Raimon Portell received the youth award for Only the Wind. The comic category was won by Txuss Martin along with his colleagues for Weimar. Uncertain Times.
During the ceremony, both Manel Gasch, abbot of the monastery, and Francesc Xavier Vila, councillor for Linguistic Policy, underscored the importance of maintaining a “calm and quality” culture in the face of the challenges posed by current social media. Gasch highlighted how magazines like Serra d'Or are fundamental in strengthening our collective narrative and promoting a rich and full language.
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