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The Fundació Joan Miró and the Museu Picasso of Barcelona come together to offer a unique exhibition celebrating the friendship and shared artistic legacy of two of the great 20th century masters, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. This exhibition is part of the Picasso Celebration 1973-2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of the painter from Malaga and the 40th anniversary of the death of the Barcelona artist, Miró.
This is the first time that these two institutions have co-organized an exhibition at their own centres. With more than 250 works and documents, they offer an immersive exploration of some of the key moments in the lives of these two artists while exploring their connection to Barcelona. You can see this extraordinary collaboration until February 25, 2024, and then continue exploring the works of art of these geniuses at their respective museums.
A relationship born at the Gran Teatre del Liceu
The beginning of the exhibition shows a key moment in the relationship between Miró and Picasso: the premiere of the ballet “Parade” by Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes at the Gran Teatro del Liceo on November 10th, 1917, with Picasso working on the costumes, curtain and scenery. The young Miró was deeply impressed by an established artist already on a well-defined career path.
Two years later, Miró visited Picasso’s mother’s apartment, where he saw the works that Picasso had created during his stay in Barcelona in 1917. This served to reaffirm in Miro the idea that he had to move towards a modern classicism, only to be achieved through cubism. If you want to be transported to the place that gave rise to this groundbreaking artistic idea, we suggest signing up for activities such as the VIP Opera Night.
Seven large thematic and chronological blocks
The exhibition is structured around two fundamental axes. On one hand, the friendship that united Miró and Picasso throughout their lives, reflected in works and documents that testify to their encounters, artistic affinities and divergences, as well as their shared friendships. On the other hand, the Catalan capital is given prominence as a setting, without which their relationship cannot be understood. The exhibition also covers a wide range of other themes, from their connection to surrealist circles, their political commitment during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. It also explores areas such as their shared interest in poetry, ceramics as a form of expression, and intervention in architectural spaces.
Despite their stylistic differences, both shared the desire to challenge the conventions of the time and explore the limits of painting. Their relationship is explored in both museums across seven large thematic and chronological blocks exploring key moments and mutual influences. Names like “The Encounter”, “The Paris of Surrealism”, “Painting and Writing”, “Years of War”, “From the Murder of Painting to Ceramics”, “The Picasso Style, the Miró Language” and “Miró Renders homage to Picasso” summarise the historical journey of the exhibition.
Discover 130 unique pieces
The exhibition features items on loan from institutional and private collections around the world. It presents 76 paintings never before on display in Barcelona and others that have not been shown in the Catalan capital for years. These are unique works that have been brought together for the first time or have returned after a long absence, to shine in the city providing an exclusive opportunity to savour this rich artistic diversity.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are works such as “La masía” (1921-1922), “Untitled (Head of a Man)” (1937) and “Woman, Bird, Star (Tribute to Pablo Picasso)” (1966-1973). ) by Joan Miró, and also “The Three Dancers” (1925), “Figures on the Seashore” (1932) and “The Crying Woman” (1937) by Pablo Picasso. The organic dialogue that is created between the two great artists is one of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition.
The exhibition has also provoked the exchange of exceptional works selected from the collections of each centre. For example, the main work of the “Las Meninas” group will temporarily leave the Picasso Museum to be installed at the Fundació Joan Miró during the time that the exhibition lasts. Conversely, “The Morning Star“, a key piece in Miró’s artistic career and most intimate story will make the opposite journey.
Parallel activities
To enhance this unique experience, you can purchase a combined ticket giving access to both museums and so enjoy the complete experience. In addition to the main exhibition, “Miró-Picasso” also presents a complete program of activities of almost fifty events taking place over the coming months.
This varied set includes workshops and visits for all ages, expert critiques in the exhibition halls, flamenco concerts and various thematic days, both entertaining and academic. Details are on the websites of each centre. Make the most of this opportunity to enjoy art and culture at its best.
A catalogue taking you deeper into the subject
If you want to know even more about the relationship between these two artists, we recommend delving into the exclusive catalogue created for the exhibition. This publication offers a deep immersion into many topics such as the limits of painting, encounters between cubism and surrealism, the impact of the 1930s on art and the notable presence of the writer Alfred Jarry in the artistic proposals of both geniuses.
With the participation of renowned authors such as Christopher Green, Robert Lubar Messeri or Georges Sebbag, among others, this volume analyses in detail the evolution of their styles and the influence of historical events on their creations. A rare opportunity to fully explore and appreciate a fascinating artistic connection that transcended borders and eras.
