Pablo Picasso (Spain, 1881-1973), Young Pigeon, 1939. Linocut, 6 x 7 in. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Purchase, Richard H. and Adeline J. Fleischaker Collection, 1996.
A new exhibition of works by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso goes on display Friday, Aug. 3, at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. For a limited time, the museum at the University of Oklahoma features works by the Cubist master, the highlight of which is a unique work on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum. Woman in the Studio, a 1956 painting, will be displayed along with eight other Picasso works from the FJJMA’s permanent collection.
“The exhibition uses Woman in the Studio as a centerpiece of a small survey of Picasso works from the 1930s into the 1960s,” said Mark White, FJJMA chief curator. “The painting dates from the mature period of Picasso’s career when he was concerned with issues of the studio and problems with painting.”
Picasso (1881-1973) is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century and is credited with co-founding the Cubist movement. Cubist artworks are categorized by the abstracted presentation of objects. Instead of depicting objects from a single viewpoint, Cubist works depict an object from multiple perspectives. Picasso also is credited with the invention of constructed sculpture, and the co-invention of collage.
This exhibition is the newest in a series of loans designed to enhance the visitor experience at the FJJMA. Previous loans include Henri Matisse’s sculpture, Vénus à la Coquille I, and Auguste Rodin’s sculpture, The Kiss (Le Baiser).
“We are delighted to offer this exceptional painting by Pablo Picasso to the public,” said Ghislain d’Humières, director of the art museum. “This work, generously loaned by the St. Louis Art Museum, furthers the mission of the museum to provide quality art experiences to the community and continues the series of exciting loaned works we have been fortunate to display over the past few years.”
Two events also are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 3. In conjunction with the exhibition Oklahoma Clay: Frankoma Pottery, Scott Perkins, the curator of collections and exhibitions at Price Tower Arts Center in Bartlesville, will present a guest lecture at 6 p.m. House of Clay: Bruce Goff’s Frank Residence will focus on the art of architecture in Bruce Goff’s construction of John and Grace Lee Frank’s 1955 Sapulpa residence. Following the lecture at 7, White will lead a short gallery talk through the Picasso works. Both events are free and open to the public.
Source: Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
