Picasso and Ceramics

Picasso and Ceramics, jointly realized by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and the Gardiner Museum in partnership with the University of Toronto Art Centre, will be presented at the Art Centre from September 29, 2004 to January 23, 2005 with the generous support of Desjardins Group.

Picasso was the most influential artist of the 20th century. His universally recognized name connotes energy, daring and originality.

This exhibition brings together the largest number of Picasso and Ceramics ever seen in Canada and provides a unique opportunity to discover an important part of Picasso’s creative universe. “With Picasso, ceramics acquired a real content, speaking not only to the senses but to reason and intelligence as well,” says co-curator Paul Bourassa from the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

The exhibition features 80 unique pieces by Picasso as well as examples of the historic pottery that inspired his work. Posters designed by Picasso for the annual Vallauris potters exhibitions, preparatory sketches and photographs of the artist working in clay complete the exhibition.

A beautifully illustrated catalogue containing original research on Picasso’s ceramic oeuvre complements this exhibition. It features essays by co-curators Paul Bourassa from the Musée du Quebec, Léopold L. Foulem, the celebrated Canadian artist who has devoted twenty years of study to Picasso’s work and others. Published in French and English by Editions Hazan, it can be purchased in advance at the Gardiner Museum Shop, 60 McCaul St, Toronto.