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The Museo de San Juan has unveiled an exhibition showcasing Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, recognized as one of the most significant painters of the 20th century.
Titled “Picasso in San Juan: Lithographic Portfolios,” the exhibition comprises 40 works from the artist considered the most pivotal creative mind of the 20th century. The lithographs on display in the museum’s Sala Oller, spanning Picasso’s artistic journey from 1899 to 1955, provide an exceptional insight into his development and unveil the more personal and lesser-known elements of his legacy.
Having opened recently, the exhibition will be available to the public until February 2, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to admire these iconic works that chronicle various phases in the Spanish artist’s career, ranging from the somber emotions of his Blue Period to his daring explorations of cubism and the human form. Furthermore, several series feature lithographs and sketches that precede some of his most globally acclaimed pieces, offering attendees a rare chance to closely engage with Picasso’s artistic genius, according to officials.
The portfolios showcased in the exhibition are distinguished by being original lithographic prints of creations the artist made in various mediums, including drawing, pastel, painting, watercolor, charcoal, and etching, showcasing his remarkable technical flexibility. Among the highlights are:
“The Blues of Barcelona,” a collection comprising 11 pieces and a lithographic poster, encapsulating the emotive depth of his Blue Period. Additionally, the intimate drawings dedicated to Geneviève Laporte, the artist’s muse, offer viewers a glimpse into one of the most personal chapters of his life. The exploration continues with the preparatory sketches for his work: “The Women of Algiers,” concluding with the series titled “Dancers,” which contains 14 lithographs that emphasize Picasso’s unmatched talent in depicting movement and anatomy with a simplicity that is uniquely his.
“Having this exhibition in the museum is a great privilege as it allows us not only to appreciate Pablo Picasso’s talent closely but also stands as a testament to our dedication in the capital city to art, culture, and everything that enhances our tourism offerings,” stated Maritere González, the first lady of San Juan.
Víctor M. Rivera Flores, director of the San Juan Municipality’s Department of Art and Culture, noted, “We take immense pride in participating in an initiative that enables us to present this significant graphic collection of the master Pablo Picasso, particularly in light of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico being designated as the Ibero-American Capital of Cultures 2024.”
“Picasso in San Juan: Lithographic Portfolios” is a product of a collaboration between the San Juan Department of Art and Culture, the Ibero-American University Foundation in Barcelona, Spain, and the Consulate General of Spain in Puerto Rico.
“We are thrilled and thankful for this exhibition, as many communities lack the opportunity to view works by great masters like Picasso,” said Luis Moisés Pérez Torres, the museum’s director. “Through this collaboration, we democratize access to art, allowing a broader audience to benefit from this experience on their own home ground and at no cost.”
Alongside the exhibition, the Museo de San Juan has organized a series of lectures, guided tours, and educational workshops related to the exhibition, which will provide the public with a comprehensive experience that explores Picasso’s significant impact on the history of universal art.
Admission to the Museo de San Juan, situated on Norzagaray Street in Old San Juan, is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
