While in Spain last year I visited the Fundación Joan Miró, where an impressive collection of the artist’s works are permanently installed. Therefore, I was particularly interested to see what the Museum of Modern Art has assembled for its exhibition (November 2, 2008-January 12, 2009), “Joan Miró: Painting and Anti Painting 1927-1937.” As it turns out, there is an entirely different approach culled from different sources. The MoMA show stresses the period in the artist’s life when he was trying to fulfill his provocative 1927 statement, “I want to assassinate painting.”
Miró’s imagination and his astute sense of color are reflected in his many collages using various materials. I am still partial to some of his large expressive paintings, but this show is rich in works of various sizes and combinations carrying out the artist’s intention of attempting to revolutionize painting as he knew it at the time. The exhibition includes some 90 of the artist’s works, including paintings, collages, drawings and various objects. There is an abundance of accompanying explanation that enables us to follow the artist’s intent and achievements.
The selections are not only indicative of Miró at this stage of this life and career but of the turbulent times that inspired some of his artistic vision. At MoMA, 11 Wetst 53rd Street. Phone: 212-708-9400.