mural

The art piece

Artist ADD FUEL reveals a little-known part of the history of Massongex, the former capital of Valais.

Between land and sea, the world of Portuguese artist Add Fuel is anchored in the heart of the school district of Massongex, a Valais commune steeped in its rich Roman heritage. Once called Tarnaiae, Massongex was a strategic commercial crossroads, the last port of call for ships before heading inland, where goods were unloaded. This central role in trade has profoundly shaped the region’s history.

Add Fuel’s ‘Mozaïke’ is inspired by the remains of Roman baths and ancient mosaics discovered on site. Paying homage to this heritage, the artist reinterprets these elements in a modern style. Renowned for his creations influenced by Portuguese azulejos, he combines geometric motifs evoking Roman mosaics with local symbols such as the tower, the Saint-Maurice district cross and the griffin. These references to local heritage establish a visual link between Massongex’s ancient history and its contemporary identity.

Situated near the Rhône, ‘Mozaïke’ celebrates the commercial and cultural exchanges that shaped the region through the role of the fleurve. This fresco offers a mediation on the Roman history and natural resources of Massongex, while highlighting the tradition of Mediterranean mosaics.

With this captivating work, Add Fuel creates a bridge between Massongex’s glorious past and its dynamic present. Mozaïke’ thus becomes an open window on the commune’s history, while celebrating the transmission of knowledge in a lively setting that invites local residents to rediscover their rich heritage.