
Unveiling Picasso: A Stunning Art Extravaganza at M+ Museum in Hong Kong
2025-04-24
Author: Kai
A Historic Showcase of Picasso's Masterpieces
Get ready, art lovers! The M+ Museum in Hong Kong has opened its doors to the grand exhibition, "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation," igniting a vibrant conversation around the iconic works of Pablo Picasso. This eye-popping showcase, which commenced on March 15, 2025, and continues until July 13, 2025, is a must-see event bringing together over 60 masterpieces from one of the world’s most revolutionary artists.
Exploring Picasso and His Influence
Co-organized by M+ and the Musée national Picasso–Paris, which houses the globe’s largest Picasso collection, this exhibition is a significant cultural event—its first major presentation of Picasso’s art in Hong Kong in over a decade. Set against the backdrop of the French May Arts Festival 2025, the event enjoys the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
A Glimpse into the Collection
Dive into an incredible range of Picasso's works, spanning his prolific career from the late 1890s to the early 1970s. Featured highlights include:
- **The Acrobat (1930)**
- **Figures by the Sea (1931)**
- **Large Still Life with Pedestal Table (1931)**
- **Portrait of Dora Maar (1937)**
- **Massacre in Korea (1951)**
Alongside these masterpieces, art enthusiasts can appreciate around 130 works by 30 Asian artists, showcasing how Picasso’s legacy resonates in diverse cultural contexts.
Thematic Exploration: Four Archetypes of Picasso
The exhibition smartly categorizes its pieces into four intriguing sections, called "archetypes," each unraveling different facets of Picasso's genius:
1. **The Genius** – Examines Picasso’s early talents and the myth of the solitary innovator.
2. **The Apprentice** – Investigates Picasso’s controversial borrowing of styles, particularly from African art.
3. **The Magician** – Highlights his fascination with the surreal and grotesque.
4. **The Mythmaker** – Analyzes how he shaped and continues to influence his legacy.
This engaging layout encourages visitors to draw connections between Picasso's works and contemporary Asian artists' responses, creating a dynamic conversation.
Picasso’s Unlikely Influence in Communist China
One of the exhibition’s most fascinating narratives is Picasso’s presence in post-war China. Despite his works being banned during the Mao era, his dove of peace, *La Colombe*, made a notable appearance in promotional materials for international peace events. Surprisingly, it even graced the pages of Chinese magazines and postage stamps, a testament to the global impact of his art.
A Rare Political Statement: Massacre in Korea
Among Picasso's rarely political works, the striking *Massacre in Korea (1951)* addresses the horrors of the Korean War, depicting raw emotion akin to his earlier anti-war masterpiece, *Guernica*. Under scrutiny from political circles for not picking sides definitively, this painting remains a poignant reminder of the artist’s complex legacy. The exhibition also juxtaposes this work with a contemporary piece by Simon Fujiwara, updating its message for today's audience.
Picasso’s Controversial Relationships with Women
Delving into the personal life of Picasso, the exhibition sheds light on his tumultuous relationships with women, often depicted in his art. Criticized for his treatment of partners, the show features a striking digital animation by Nalini Malani titled *Ballad of a Woman (2023)*, encouraging viewers to reconsider women’s roles in Picasso’s life and art.
M+: A Global Art Hub
This dazzling showcase reaffirms M+’s position as a pivotal cultural hub. The museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is a masterpiece in itself, boasting numerous galleries and an impressive LED façade displaying digital art across Hong Kong’s skyline.
Secure Your Spot!
Tickets to this incredible exhibition include general admission to the museum. Pricing options are as follows:
- **Standard:** HKD 240 - **Concession:** HKD 120 - **Kid & Adult Combo (2-person):** HKD 300 - **Kid & Adult Combo (3-person):** HKD 480 - **M+ Member Additional Ticket:** HKD 168 - **M+ Patron Guest Ticket:** HKD 120 Children under 6 enter free! Members enjoy three annual free tickets and discounted follow-ups, while Patrons benefit from unlimited access with additional guest discounts.