From Paris to London...There is still Time!!

If you missed the most incredible displays of Western Art on exhibit at three Parisian museums from October '08 until February '09, then a trip to London may be in order!! Picasso and the Masters has moved to London's National Museum, and this controversial display, now entitled Picasso: Challenging the Past, will be on exhibit through June 7th, 2009.

In Paris, the exhibit was a first in many ways; The first time three galleries have come together to produce one spectacular exhibition, the first time such an array of masters have been shown in this unique format and the first time an estimated 2- 2.5 Billion Euros have been spent on an exhibit!! And of course..there has been controversy and negative criticism...after all it is Picasso!

Being totally passionate about both art and travel, when I heard this exhibit was opening in October, I could not make plans quickly enough, and in early November, I boarded a plane to one of my favorite cities in the entire world. Gustave Caillebotte's Rainy Day in Paris depicted the scene perfectly, as expected in November. However, nothing prepared me for what I would see at the main exhibit at the Grand Palais.

Two hundred and ten works from some of the most prestigious public and private collections from around the world (approximately one hundred and sixty-three were Picassos) filled the incredible galleries at the Grand Palais. Simultaneously, smaller exhibits at the Musee D'Orsay displayed Picasso's interpretations of Edouard Manet's The Luncheon on the Grass and at The Lourve, Delacroix's The Women of Algiers.

Having studied the most prolific artist of all time somewhat extensively in my art group, the major display did not pose a problem to me with it's format, nor with what was explained by the curator as to how a particular painting influenced Picasso. However, there has been quite bit of negativism relative to both aspects of this massive event.

Rather than a chronological display, the exhibit was broken into 10 sections representing the different approaches of Picasso. It explored his work as an interpretation of history based on recurrent subjects and themes. Also, the paintings were from a wide array of works from ancient to modern. Some obviously found it confusing as to why a particular group of paintings were together, or even how it related to the Picasso hanging nearby. But then, Picasso has been said to take a painting, chew it up and spit it out onto his own canvas.

From what I understand, not all of the exhibit has traveled to London. But never the less, I cannot help but feel it would be worth the trip. Anyone with an interest in this most incredible artist, and in the opportunity of seeing a once in a lifetime display, would be wise to head to London before summer. It is highly unlikely we will see an exhibit of this magnitude, perhaps ever again!!

For more information on the exhibit visit this site: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/picasso/default.htm

Note: My first blog ever..so please feel free to "chew it up and spit it out" for future improvement!!! And if anyone went to see Picasso and the Masters or plans to visit the London exhibit, I would love to hear from you!! Happy Travels!!!