Minotaurs and Matadors
Picasso
The Gagosian
28 APRIL - 25 AUGUST 2017
Free
Picasso had an obsession with all things bull-like and monstrous. This exhibition, curated by Sir John Richardson, explores Picasso's mythological imagery in a way never explored before. Including paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, ceramics and a homemade movie, the exhibition really does use all mediums to depict Picasso's obsession with the creature and how this influenced his work.
I think it's fair to say that Picasso has a bad rep, and we may even see him as a kind of brute or animal himself. His monstrous selfishness and attitudes towards those he viewed as lesser beings, such as women, make it easy for us to establish why he held the bull, a pure symbol of physical strength, with such high regard.
The simplistic sketches of the bull somehow manage to capture the aggression and force of such a powerful creature, whilst the paintings hold strong similarities with his cubist portraiture. I would say I am a fan of Picasso's work, but don't know enough about him past his most famous works. This exhibition highlighted a side to the painter that many do not know, and allowed us to see some original works which differ from the iconic. Despite the differences, however, Picasso's style is so easily recognisable that you needn't look at the signature to know these masterpieces belong to him.
I feel that this exhibition exposes a different side to Picasso, a more personal obsession and a more intimate insight into his life and childhood (the homemade video has some very cute snaps of the young master). Whatsmore, the exhibition is completely free, despite being held within private gallery The Gagosian. One thing to mention is to go for a wee before you go as they don't have any toilets for the public. Overall, a really great exhibition which is definitely worth a visit - it's not everyday you get to see the works of a genius for free!
OVERALL RATING: ****
https://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/picasso-minotaurs-and-matadors--april-28-2017
