Since the late 19th century, the nature and light attraction, the quest for exotic, made the Pyrenees-Orientals a welcome place for the masters of modern art.
Artists born in the country, like Maillol or Terrus, who arrived from Catalonia such as Hugué, and Desnoyer who came from the south of France, or from Paris, such as Matisse, Derain and Picasso. This territory becomes a epic place for the first avant-garde artists. This land full of inspiration became a legendary place in the history of modern art.

(Source: Cultural Network - Terra Catalana)

 

In the first half of the 20th century, Matisse and Derain stayed in Collioure, drawing their inspiration in its light and enchanting scenery. This fishing village, with its steeple on the waterfront, its colorful Catalan boats, its royal palace, former residence of the Kingsof Majorca, have acquired over the age great notoriety.

 

Farther inland, in the heart of Vallespir, Ceret welcomes Picasso, Gris, and Soutine during their stays or their short passages. The realization of the artistic vocation in Ceret happens years later, through the creation of the Museum of Modern Art which, besides works from Picasso, welcomes annually major exhibitions.

 

Of course, there is the Fauvist in Collioure and the Cubist in Ceret. But other artistes put their mark on the Roussillon: Raoul Dufy, Maillol, Terrus, Violet and Bausil ...

 

Dali, the genius, came as a neighbor from Cadaques. He was a prominent Catalan surrealist painter born in Figueres, very close to the border. He created his own museum, Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, adorn by giant eggs, very representative of the Catalan personality of the painter.