Miró: Sculptor 

Joan Miró, Project for a Monument, 1979 © Successió Miró/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2012. Photo Gabriel Ramon.jpg

In collaboration with the artist’s foundations and family, YSP is proud to present the first major UK exhibition of sculpture by Joan Miró, one of Europe’s most important 20th century artists.

The exhibition describes the extraordinary wealth of Miró’s sculpture, much of which was made in the second half of his life. With key works set in the landscape, the exhibition fulfils the artist’s desire that “sculpture must stand in the open air, in the middle of nature”.

Many of these outdoor works are rarely seen outside his foundations in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca and the exhibition is a unique opportunity to experience almost 40 years of sculpture from an intensely creative period.

The Underground Gallery traces the evolution of what Miró referred to as his “phantasmagoric world of living monsters” and includes a number of large, wonderfully vivacious works on paper. In addition, through seldom-seen family photographs, sketches and notes, together with found objects and plasters, we give a fascinating insight into Miró’s working practice.

Though generally less known and critically examined than his painting, Miró came to consider his sculpture as equally important. He was rooted in a deep sense of national identity but these works reflect something far deeper than love for Catalonia, Spain and their people. Often assembled from humble artefacts – bowls, a tap, worn soap, tin-cans, a pebble, a hand-woven basket – they speak of Miró’s profound respect for humanity and are a homage to the richness of simple living.

An exclusive limited edition print accompanies the exhibition and a fully illustrated catalogue is available with texts by the artist’s grandson Emilio Fernández Miró, Pilar Ortega Chapel from the Successió Miró, poet and art critic Jacques Dupin and Peter Murray CBE. A £5 exhibition guide alongside special exhibition merchandise is also available. Shop in store or online.
http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/mir%C3%B3-sculptor