Miro

Who would have thought? The almighty Miró exhibiting in a small independent art gallery, just outside of Leeds City centre. Artco Gallery in Leeds has recently seen a full and varied exhibition programme hosting exhibitions by modern masters such as Kandinsky, Victor Pasmore and Patrick Caulfield. This December we thought we would give the people of Leeds a rare treat to end this year’s exhibition programme on a high, and bring Miró to Leeds for the last exhibition of 2006. This really is something to celebrate!

Joan Miró i Ferrà, one of the creative giants of 20th century art (April 20, 1893 – December 25, 1983) was born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Drawing on his fantastic universe of signs and symbols, he was able to create a magical world populated by strange configurations in vivid colours. He made many prints throughout his career, their accessibility being strongly in keeping with his socialist principles.

From his mid 20s Miró spent much of his time in Paris. His early work showed the influence of various modern movements – Fauvism, Cubism (he was a friend of Picasso) and Dadaism – but he was particularly impressed with the Surrealists. Throughout his career Miró remained true to the basic Surrealist principle of releasing the creative forces of the unconscious mind from the control of logic and reason.

Miró stood apart from other members of the Surrealist movement producing innovations in the field of abstraction while using none of the superficial devices of the other Surrealists. Much of his work has a delightful touch of playfulness although he was also able to produce work of a more sombre or savage quality like that inspired by the Spanish Civil War.

The Foundation Joan Miró was opened in 1975 on the heights of Montjuic overlooking Barcelona, his native city. It is designed both as a memorial museum, housing a collection of Miró’s works, and as a centre of artistic activity.

Miró died, bedridden, at his home in Palma, Mallorca on December 25, 1983.

All the pieces in this exhibition are for sale. Whilst the ownership of an original painting is, for the majority of us, out of the question, his original prints made in comparatively small editions are still relatively accessible.

The exhibition features around 40 etchings and lithographs made between the years 1962-1984, many of which are signed by hand, prices ranging from £500 to £3,500.

Says Leah Hester-Brown regarding the forthcoming exhibition: “We are very excited about the Miró exhibition; this is a real coup for Artco Gallery. With Miró’s recognition and wide ranging appeal, I believe that this exhibition will prove to be a real success”.

 
 
 
 
[22 items]
1