Pablo Picasso’s work is recognized around the world, but not many know of his deep connection to ceramics. As part of the Picasso Celebration 1973-2023, Disseny Hub Barcelona presents a unique exhibition highlighting the influence of ceramics on the artist’s work.
The exhibition brings together 16 ceramic pieces donated by Picasso in dialogue with the museum’s collection of historical ceramics.
The origin of this donation dates back to 1957, when Picasso was fascinated to see a selection of 13th century ceramics at the Palais Miramar in Cannes and exclaimed, “But how is it possible that they could have done this before me?”
Through the ceramics on display, we can explore several stories. On the one hand, the influence of the Spanish ceramic tradition in Picasso’s work is shown.
On the other hand, it reveals the history of the artist’s donation to the Barcelona Art Museums, which began at the Spanish ceramics exhibition held in Cannes in 1957.
Picasso and his taste for ceramics
Picasso’s admiration for antique ceramics and his meeting with Lluís Maria Llubià led to the donation of these 16 ceramic works. Today, they are part of the collections of the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona.
Picasso established a single condition for the donation: that the ceramics be exhibited next to an important collection owned by the museums.
The 1973-2023 Picasso Celebration provides an opportunity to fulfill Picasso’s will by displaying these 16 donated pieces in dialogue with the historic ceramics collection.
The exhibition shows in a historical tour the exhibition that Picasso witnessed in Cannes, allowing to understand his vision of establishing a relationship between his work and the ceramic tradition.
A dream exhibition
This is a fascinating and little known story for many Barcelonians. It reveals Picasso’s appreciation for the museums of his hometown and his perception of his work as a continuation of the rich Spanish ceramic tradition.
The exhibition has been organized with the support of the National Commission for the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso and the collaboration of the company Telefónica.
If you are a lover of art and ceramics, don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative world of Picasso and discover how ceramics influenced his work. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 17, 2023 at Disseny Hub Barcelona.
You will be able to explore Picasso’s deep connection to this artistic medium and discover how ceramics influenced his creative vision.
Feel the history and artistic legacy of one of the most influential painters of the 20th century right at your fingertips while the exhibition is open.
