Picasso revelado por David Douglas Duncan is the latest and most coveted exposition currently on display at Mexico City’s prestigious Palacio de Bellas Artes.
“Picasso revealed by David Douglas Duncan” is a title that perhaps suggests more than just “unveiled,” since “revelar” also means “to develop film”—thus a fine title indeed.
American photojournalist David Douglas Duncan was born in 1916, and in the 1950s, he became acquainted with Pablo Picasso, in the south of France. This show gives a rather intimate perspective of the Spanish painter’s creative process and the time the two artists spent together.
The collection includes original paintings by Picasso and Duncan’s photographs while visiting Picasso at his home, La Californie, located in a district of Cannes by the same name.
This home—which the painter shared with his second wife, Jacqueline Roque—was the source of great inspiration for the creator, which led him toward the cubist movement.
This exposition is part of the celebrations of the museum’s 80th anniversary. It is a unique way to admire Picasso’s work and at the same time, it is a window into the world in which these masterpieces were created, and often within a very relaxed setting, since in many of these photos, Picasso is barely wearing undergarments.
For instance, the journey opens with a photo of Picasso in his bathtub, the moment in which Duncan and he first meet.
As the story goes, Duncan went to the painter’s house to introduce himself, after having moved into the area. He knocked on the door, was welcomed inside, and there was Picasso, sitting in the tub.
Picasso insisted he take a photo for the simple reason that no one had ever captured him while bathing—the result was unprecedented.
This moment would come to represent the beginning of a 17-year friendship, ending only upon the departure of the famous painter in 1973.
The best example of the interaction between these two artists lies in the oil painting entitled “Tate,” a piece that is accompanied by a series of photos—taken by Duncan, of course—in which the viewer can admire Picasso’s process as he works on his painting, from the first brush strokes on the blank canvas to the completed work, which was painted during the first three days of July in 1957.
Picasso’s paint brushes, “fossils” and masks are what most draw the spotlight of this visual feast.
From now until July 20, Bellas Artes is home to this collection of works, which originate from a number of museums in Europe and the United States as well as from private collections.
Those who are able to take a trip to Mexico City will also have the chance to see a few ceramics and sculptures by Picasso, in addition to some of his paintings, drawings and sketches.
