I took myself on a solo date to the member preview of Picasso: Drawing From Life at the Art Institute of Chicago. I like to attend during member previews in hopes of facing smaller crowds, and it turned out to be a smart move.
I arrived at 11 a.m. fully prepared for a wait to go into the exhibition space, but to my surprise I joined the virtual line and immediately received a text that I could check in. (To join the virtual queue, scan one of the signs for the exhibition in the lobby and then enter your name, party size and phone number. You will receive a text with your place in line.) The exhibition is an additional $5 after general admission, but if, like me, you are a member, you don’t pay the extra entrance fee.
I liked that the exhibition was arranged in order of beginning of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso’s career as a student chronologically to his later years. The theme of the exhibition is the support that Picasso received from others throughout his art career. Each piece credits the people Picasso collaborated with, whom he featured, his lovers, and who printed the works.
The exhibition features 60-plus pieces, according to the Art Institute, drawings, illustrated books and prints, along with a handful of paintings and a sculpture.
I haven’t seen much of Picasso’s work before, so I noticed the themes of beauty and brutality. Many pieces had minotaurs or other creatures sometimes attacking/assaulting women. He also often portrayed sleeping women.
My favorite pieces to see were “Paloma and Her Doll on a Black Background, December 14, 1952” which depicted Picasso’s daughter, “Man Holding Sheep, Flutist and Heads,” and “Jacqueline in Profile to the Right.”
This Picasso exhibition runs until April 8, 2024, and I highly recommend a visit. It is one of many exhibitions honoring the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, according to the Art Institute.
Related posts:
Dali Exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago
Obama Portraits at The Art Institute of Chicago
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.