The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson has officially unveiled the state’s first Picasso solo exhibition, “Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds.”
The exhibit, which runs until March 3, 2024, takes a closer look at Pablo Picasso’s landscapes and how the artist changed as he moved and traveled across the world. The collection contains 27 of the Spanish artist’s paintings and sculptures, and while Picasso may not be remembered for his landscapes, these works are an important part of his achievement in art. On display will be works from his earliest days as a student all the way up until his final landscape before his death in 1973.
It was 50 years ago that Picasso died, and these rarely-seen paintings are an examination exploring nature and humanity. The paintings reveal Picasso’s view of the countryside around him as well as a rare glimpse at the reshaping of the world by industry and the harsh realities of war, giving viewers a real chance to see through the artist’s eyes.
“I was lucky to attend the opening,” Brandi Hoxie with the Mississippi Art Education Association said. “So memorable, the exhibit was very well presented. I actually walked through it twice to take it all in. Seeing these important works is once in a lifetime. Art like this coming to Mississippi is a true treat.”
In addition to the paintings and sculptures, visitors will experience historical film clips telling the story of Picasso’s 75-year career. There are wall-sized photographs that bring the artist and his workspace into the room with you.
“Picasso is one of the most important artists of the 20th century,” Hoxie continued. “I hadn’t considered his landscapes much, and this opportunity is something to look forward to experiencing. Artists, teachers, and art lovers should take this chance to visit the museum. I’m thankful I was able to attend.”
Picasso (1881-1973), as influential as he was, is regarded as one of the fathers of the Cubist period of art. He is also believed to have created as many as 16,000 paintings and drawings. In 2023, 50 years following his death, Picasso remains one of the world’s leading masters in fine arts as his collection still stands as an inspiration to millions across the globe.
Coinciding with the Picasso exhibit, the Mississippi Museum of Art is also displaying “Bearden/Picasso: Rhythms and Reverberations,” which takes the work of American artist Romare Bearden (1911-1988) and compares it to that of Picasso. The MMA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
