Just to confirm, MUCEM is closed tomorrow (1st May) but re-opens Monday with its expo Picasso, Un Genie Sans Piedestal: Picasso et les Arts et Traditions Populaires’ which is well worth a visit.
Presented with the support of the Musee Picasso-Paris, along with other international loans, the show has 270 works which range from paintings through metalwork, ceramics, woodwork to textiles. Throughout his long and incredibly productive life, the artist seems to have decorated everything and even made little wooden toys for his children. This exhibition brings together examples of all his different techniques, and also traces the themes that run through his work.
It focuses on the hats and costumes of Spain and southern France which recur in his work – the illustration shows photographer Lee Miller with an Arlesienne head-dress. Then there are the numerous musical instruments and the theme of the circus and its performers.
He loved the drama of the bullring which features in many of his works but gives equal attention to
doves and the theme of peace.
I hadn’t realised that the artist’s father was a pigeon-fancier which obviously influenced his son. Picasso actually had a dovecote at his home, the Villa Californie, in Cannes. And rather nicely, MUCEM have exhibited his little ceramic doves in a dovecote for the exhibition.
His ceramics won’t need any introduction to those who saw the great display at Aubagne during the 2012 Year of Culture; but if not, there is a good range here along with a fascinating film of the artist fashioning a bird out of clay.
I found it an interesting and stimulating exhibition.
When MUCEM reopens on Monday, its spring hours will kick in: 11-19Hrs, 11-22 on Fridays. It closes on Tuesdays.
It’s a wonderfully-sited building with thrilling views but I do wish it was more customer friendly. If you’ve walked from La Joliette metro or the Vieux Port, wouldn’t it be good to go in at the front, rather than have to hike down to a side door… and then be greeted by a nice reception area instead of being plunged into gloom inside? It’s just so dark! My final whinge would be the reception area catering. Surely they could have more than one person serving coffees and sandwiches during the lunch-hour? I gave up.
Sorry to whinge – – – – what do you think?
Leave a comment