PERELLÓ, Jaume

Born in Torrefarrera, Lleida, in 1927, where he is now a Favorite Son (Hijo Predilecto). He passed away in Bellpuig d’Urgell, Lleida, in 2015. Founder of the Fine Arts of Lleida, he lived in Bellpuig d'Urgell and presented his work throughout Europe and the Americas. In 1953, he won First Prize in Sacred Art in Milan and First Prize in Relief Work in Buenos Aires. Chosen by Italy and Spain to execute the Christ of Bormio (Italy) and creator of a portrait of Pope Pius XII housed in the Vatican Museums, he created works for the cathedrals of Lleida and Solsona, the Episcopal Palace of Lleida, and numerous places of worship across Spain. He resided in New York, where Rockefeller himself purchased many of his works. Among his most prominent creations are the largest Christ figure in the world (9 meters high), "Christ of Love," built in the Sanctuary of El Carmen in Burgos, and the carving presented to Pope Paul VI at the Vatican, designated for the Museum of Modern Art. In 1996, the Government of Catalonia established the Perelló Foundation to preserve and promote the work of this distinguished sculptor.