The Arlington Museum of Art will soon host its winter blockbuster exhibit, Pablo Picasso: Ceramics. It features over 40 ceramics by renowned artist Pablo Picasso. The exhibit will be on display from November 12, 2016 through February 12, 2017. An opening reception for exhibit sponsors, museum members, and special guests will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 from 6 - 8 p.m.Internationally famed for his paintings, sculpture, and graphics, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was long intrigued by ceramics. After seeing the works of the Madoura potters at a crafts fair in 1946, Picasso negotiated with Georges and Suzanne Ramie, who operated the studio, to provide him with the opportunity to work with ceramics. From 1947-1971 the Ramies set aside space in their studio for Picasso to work whenever he pleased. In return, Picasso allowed the Ramies to make and sell editions of ceramic pieces he produced at Madoura, and to retain all profits. Picasso also made thousands of individual ceramic pieces. He kept virtually all of his own thrown pieces, most of which are now owned by his family or by museums.
Over the years, Picasso and the Madoura studio produced 633 different plates, bowls, vases and pitchers in limited editions ranging from 25 – 500. Picasso’s involvement in producing the objects varied. Sometimes he made the clay molds used for designs, while other times he painted on plates or pitchers taken from the drying racks. Picasso and Madoura’s artisans then finished the prototypes and produced the editions.
Chris Hightower, Executive Director, said, “Pablo Picasso is one of the world’s most well-known artists, but most people know him for his paintings. We are excited to share another aspect of Picasso’s art to the North Texas community.”
This exhibit was curated by Gerald Nordland, noted author and independent curator, and former Director of the San Francisco Art Museum, The Milwaukee Art Museum, The Washington (D.C.) Gallery of Modern Art, and the Wight Gallery, UCLA. It was funded in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Tourism Council. For more information, visit ArlingtonMuseum.org. Admission tickets may be purchased at the door.
