Pablo Picasso might be one of the most influential artists of the 1800s. Born in Spain, Picasso was noted to be a child protegy, and his talents were recognized early on. Picasso was a rebel, and could often be found frequenting the intellectual cafes of Paris as a young teenager. His lifestyle certainly influenced his art, and it is a large part of the reason that he is still recognized as a renowned artist today.

Picasso began his entry into the artwork as a young child, and some of his earliest work includes two self portraits, “Child With A Dove” and “The Absinthe Drinker”. In his earliest years, he often expressed feeling confined by the medium for his art and the limited potential a traditional mode of artistry allowed him. Read more »

Posted: July 31st, 2012 under Uncategorized.
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The 2012 Joan Miro show at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC offers a fresh look at this important Spanish artist of the twentieth century. Entitled “The Ladder of Escape,” it provides new insights into the political views of the famed artist and sculptor.

When you think of Miro you probably think of bright colors and whimsical objects. There are some examples of that in this exhibit but there are also darker works that will probably be new to most audiences. After all, Miro lived through very turbulent times including both World War I and World War II, the Spanish Civil War and the long regime of the dictator Francisco Franco. Also important to his identity was his birth in Catalonia, a region in northern Spain that has its own distinct culture and long struggle for autonomy.

The show begins with Miro’s depictions of the family farm and surroundings in Catalonia. Read more »

Posted: July 31st, 2012 under Uncategorized.
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