Article:
ISSUE No. 11 July - August 2008

Picasso in Abu Dhabi
Traveling Exhibit at the Emirates Palace until September

An exclusive traveling exhibit with works of Pablo Picasso can be admired at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi until September 4th. A total of forty pieces, among them also prints and drawings, by the Spanish genius will be introduced during the fourteen week exhibit.

Picasso is considered to be among the most distinguished artists of the 20th century and the co-founder of cubism. During his active phase, he created more than 15,000 works of art. He is included in the most recent art history books as painter, illustrator and sculptor and he left his followers a priceless legacy. Approximately 250 of his masterpieces can be viewed at the National Picasso Museum in Paris, one of the most renowned museums of the French metropolis. The museum distinguishes itself with the broad spectrum of paintings, sculptures and sketches by Picasso. The collection features pieces from the creative phase of the exceptional artist from 1901, up to the self-portrait of the young painter, which was not completed until a month before his death in 1972.

A part of this collection is in a traveling exhibit, on its way to nine countries, to make Picasso’s works available to more art connoisseurs. The exhibit started in Madrid and then brought the works of art to Abu Dhabi in May. Among them are forty sketches, prints and calligraphies which should appeal to the local market. With extravagant exhibits like this, the organizers are trying to advance art appreciation in the Gulf Region and actively campaign for the coming museum island in Abu Dhabi.