Portrait of Picasso at the Studio at 29, rue d'Astorg, Paris, winter 1935–36
"Picasso Fatigue" has emerged since Pablo Picasso's death, with critics bemoaning the profusion of gallery shows and exhibitions dedicated to the Spanish master. Some doubt the need for such a thorough examination, given how museums around the globe appear to have overexposed themselves to Picasso's life and works. Despite the controversy, "A Foreigner Called Picasso," a special Picasso exhibition at Gagosian, illuminates the artist's life as an immigrant in France. This non-traditional exhibition, which Annie Cohen-Solal and Vérane Tasseau organized, offers a new viewpoint while questioning the traditional narrative that frequently accompanies Picasso's retrospectives.
Picasso as an Immigrant in France
The Gagosian exhibition explores Picasso's life as an immigrant in France, a nation that struggled with xenophobia in the early 20th century. It runs through February 10. When Picasso arrived in Paris in 1900 from his hometown of Málaga, the police immediately began to examine and monitor him. The artist's connection with the art dealer and anarchist Pierre Mañach further fueled suspicions as he immersed himself in political circles and resided in a slum. Annie Cohen-Solal, drawing from the police files compiled on Picasso after his arrival, unveils a political strategist who navigated a culture that initially rejected him.
Anti-Foreigner Sentiment in France
Early Picasso lived in France during a period of heightened xenophobia. An anti-foreign sentiment was sparked by the political atmosphere created by the Dreyfus Affair and the 1894 assassination of French President Sadi Carnot by an Italian anarchist. Cohen-Solal aimed to examine Picasso from this perspective, emphasizing his biography over his works of art. By doing this, she deconstructs Picasso's journey and shows how he maneuvered to fit in with a society that seemed to be against him.
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The Gagosian Exhibition
In contrast to conventional museum exhibitions, Gagosian's "A Foreigner Called Picasso" showcases Picasso's life via a sequence of galleries spanning the years 1900-1973. Every gallery captures a different period and provides a different angle on Picasso's changing relationship with France. The audience must, however, piece together the story from the artworks, which are purposefully separated from their titles, as the narrative is not given to them in a spoonful manner. Picasso's life is actively engaged by viewers thanks to this innovative method, which helps them comprehend the artist more deeply than just his well-known pieces.
Navigating Picasso's Transformations
One of the exhibition's standout sections covers 1919-1939, illustrating Picasso's transformation into a "persona non grata." Labeled a 'foreigner' in France, a 'degenerate' artist in Nazi Germany, and an 'enemy' under Franco's Spain, Picasso faced challenges that deeply influenced his artistic choices. The exhibition highlights Picasso's mastery of Classic, Cubist, and Surrealist styles during this period, revealing the artist's adaptability in response to changing circumstances.
Picasso's Strategic Artistic Choices
With the outbreak of World War I, Picasso's career underwent significant upheaval. Following Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler's banishment, Picasso had to locate a new dealer and forge a complex bond with Paul Rosenberg. In this exhibition segment, Picasso experimented with different styles to suit the tastes of his new dealer's clientele. Picasso's understanding of the commercial aspects of his work is emphasized, disproving the notion that he was an isolated genius.
Addressing Picasso Fatigue
Amidst the ongoing debate on 'Picasso Fatigue,' Michael Cary, the director of Gagosian, acknowledges its existence, particularly among Picasso scholars. However, he argues that the fatigue can be overcome by revisiting Picasso's art, asserting that experiencing the artworks firsthand is incomparable to intellectual discussions. Cecile Debray, president of the Picasso Museum in Paris, concurs, emphasizing the perpetual need for new approaches to Picasso's work.
Diverse Perspectives on Picasso
The Gagosian exhibition is not the sole alternative approach to Picasso's work. "Turning Point" at the Museo Reina Sofía, organized by Eugenio Carmona, explores Picasso's radical approach to the body. Cecile Debray enjoys historical-themed exhibitions, like the Prado's exhibition of Picasso and El Greco and the Centre Pompidou's survey of his drawings. These exhibitions dispel stereotypes about Picasso and further prove there is always something new to learn.
With "Picasso Fatigue" gripping the art world, shows like Gagosian's "A Foreigner Called Picasso" provide a new perspective on the painter's life. Picasso's experiences as an immigrant in France are analyzed in the exhibition to help visitors understand the complexity of his journey. Picasso's creative legacy is primarily defined by his astute decisions, flexibility, and fortitude in the face of societal obstacles. There is always more to learn about Picasso's legacy, as evidenced by the various viewpoints in recent exhibitions and the continuous investigation of his complex identity.
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