“What would a Picasso exhibition have looked like if it had been curated by renowned British artist and fashion designer Paul Smith?” The question was emphasized — and in vivid colours — Celebrating Picasso: Collections in New Perspective.
This unmissable exhibition will be held at the Musée Picasso in Paris through August 27, 2023, and is one of about 50 special events taking place around the world Celebrating Picasso 1973-2023recognize 50day April 8, 1973 Anniversary of the artist’s death.
Smith’s artistic direction, in collaboration with curators Cécile Debray and Joanne Snrech, “presents Picasso’s work through a contemporary lens and emphasizes the continued relevance of Picasso’s work in today’s world,” the museum said. Doing so in a way that freed Smith from a more traditional exploratory or “academic approach,” he said. Instead—and noting that he was an art lover, but by no means an expert—Smith emphasized that the exhibition was a “free expression” that presented Picasso’s art in a new and exciting way.
This manifested in some highly creative, visually stunning, whimsical and unforgettable displays. Think about it: a room bathed in blue against a Picasso blue period painting.rosy pink room Ladies of Avignon.blood red The green artificial turf floor in the bullroom pays homage to the work of Manet lunch on the grass – when you consider the name of the painting translates to Lunch on the grass.
Celebration of Picasso: From 7 March to 27 August 2023 at the Musée National Picasso, Paris, under the direction of Paul Smith © Vinciane Lebrun/Voyez-Vous © Vinciane Lebrun/ Voyez-Vous
Picasso’s paul in buffoons Hanging on a harlequin-covered backdrop, its blue and yellow diamonds are almost replicas of the subject’s costume.his famous bull head The combined sculpture of a bicycle seat and handlebars accompanies a handlebar wall. Picasso’s famous marinière Breton got celebrity treatment, with a photo of the artist in a Breton cloak sitting under a striped jersey umbrella hanging from the ceiling.
Celebration of Picasso: 7 March to 27 August 2023, Celebration of Picasso at the Musée Nationale Picasso, Paris, under the direction of Paul Smith © Vinciane Lebrun/Voyez-Vous
Clearly, Smith was happy with the assignment. Or, as Debray puts it, “It is a delightful invitation to rediscover all of Picasso’s creative fields, painting, sculpture, ceramics and graphic arts, through the keen and mischievous eye of a great contemporary creator.”
Celebration of Picasso: 7 March to 27 August 2023, Celebration of Picasso at the Musée Nationale Picasso, Paris, under the direction of Paul Smith © Vinciane Lebrun/Voyez-Vous
Celebration of Picasso: Collections from a new perspective There are moments of contemplation, too; most notably, his Civil War-inspired writing is Michaelin Thomas Resistance #8, a modern day rallying cry against systemic racism and police brutality. Thomas is one of several contemporary artists whose work is on display at the Picasso Gala.
Celebration of Picasso: 7 March to 27 August 2023, Celebration of Picasso at the Musée Nationale Picasso, Paris, under the direction of Paul Smith © Vinciane Lebrun/Voyez-Vous
events around the world
Last year’s celebration of Picasso kicked off with a double announcement by French and Spanish culture ministers in front of the anti-war masterpiece Guernica at Madrid’s Reina Sofia museum. It will end in early 2024. During this period, exhibitions will be held throughout Europe and North America. Below is a selected list.
Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds
Mint Museum
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 11 to May 21, 2023
Cincinnati Art Museum
Cincinnati, Ohio.
June 24 to October 11, 2023
Admire over 45 of Picasso’s landscape paintings, a genre he explored throughout his career from his art school days at age 15 until his death.
Picasso 1906: The Great Transformation
Reina Sofia Museum
Madrid, Spain
November 14 to March 4, 2024
This exhibition explores how Picasso contributed to the advancement of modern art as a pioneer of Cubism. Picasso’s time in the Catalan village of Gorsol in 1906 marked a period of optimism and evolution—hence, “transformation”. This is particularly striking following his highly emblematic blue and rose period artwork.
Picasso Sculptor: Matter and the Body
Picasso Museum Malaga
Malaga, Spain
May 8-September 9, 2023
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Copa de absenta Spring 1914 oil painting bronze and white metal absinthe spoon 21×14×7cm Almine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso Foundation, Madrid. Temporary loan from the Picasso Museum in Malaga © FABA Photo: Hugard & Vanoverschelde Photography © Succession Pablo Picasso, VEGAP, Madrid, 2023
Picasso Museum, Malaga, Room XII
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain
September 29 – January 14, 2024
Picasso is probably best known for his paintings, but he also produced around 700 sculptures featuring the human body. Some of them will be on display in this exhibition, which is dedicated to his sculptures.
Form and Transformation: Picasso’s Ceramic Creations
Magnelli Museum, Museum of Ceramics
Vallauris, France
May 6-October 30, 2023
It was while living in the French Riviera city of Vallauris from 1948 to 1955 that Picasso became fascinated with ceramics. He went on to create more than 600 ceramic works. Many of them will be on display during this exhibition, but more than that. The Magnelli Museum and the Picasso National Museum are both located in the Château de Vallauris.You’ll find iconic works by Picasso War and Peace Frescoes in a Romanesque church.
Center Pompidou
Paris France
October 18 to January 22, 2024
The retrospective, the largest ever of a Picasso painting, traces the artist’s entire career. More than 2,000 drawings and prints (some of which are unpublished) will be on display, including early sketches for some of his most recognized and acclaimed work.
