Naples goes wild with an explosive exhibition dedicated to the rebellious genius Pablo Picasso, which brings on stage 103 works from private collections to explore his crazy artistic experimentations, revolutionary influences and friendships that shook the art world.
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From May 10 to September 28, at the Basilica of Santa Maria alla Pietrasanta in Naples-Lapis Museum, this bold exhibition celebrates half a century of the life of the Andalusian painter, who died at the age of 92 in 1973, with a mix of paintings, ceramics and engravings that do not skimp on provocative themes and bold symbolism.
The Explosive Sections of the Exhibition
The exhibition, titled ‘Picasso. The Language of Ideas’, is divided into eight sections that capture the artist’s wild evolution, from his collaborations with the Ballets Russes to his obsessions with masks and circuses. The organisers promise a deep dive into Picasso’s creative chaos, with works that include “returns Picasso to Naples, a city that won him over and where he stayed in 1917, on the occasion of the staging of Parade by the Ballets Russes for which he designed costumes and staging”. Highlights include costume prints for Le Tricorne, inspired by Andalusian folklore, and a tribute to masks such as Pulcinella, which Picasso transformed into a symbol of rebellion in his work.
Controversial Influences and Bold Friendships
Picasso, fascinated by the commedia dell’arte and the circus world, fills the exhibition with tributes to acrobats and Harlequin, who dominate his “Blue Period” with a melancholy and irreverent air. On display are two afterworks: the etching and aquatint Les Saltimbanques (The Acrobats) au chien from 1905 and the color collotype Arlequin et sa compagne (Les Deux Saltimbanques) from 1901, which capture the bizarre essence of his Italian influences. There is no shortage of ceramics, with 10 pieces made in Vallauris in the XNUMXs, where Picasso challenged the norms by elevating craftsmanship to a truly revolutionary art.
Unique Works and Unpublished Surprises
Among the 33 prints of drawings and 15 photographs that immortalize Picasso with friends such as photographers Edward Quinn and André Villers, the only oil painting stands out: the unpublished 'Lush Landscape' from 1930, attributed to his friend Àngel Fernández de Soto. This collection, produced by Navigare srl and curated by Joan Abelló with Stefano Oliviero, is sponsored by institutions such as the Campania Region and the Spanish Consulate, promising to make Naples vibrate with the uncontrolled energy of the master.
Article published on May 6, 2025 - 12:30 pm
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The Picasso exhibition is undoubtedly interesting and offers many works that are unique. The themes addressed are provocative but I believe that there is much to explore also on other artistic figures. Naples deserves attention for these initiatives.