The Picasso Celebration is finally here with Paul Smith lending artistic direction

Fashion designer and artist, Paul Smith, lends his artistic direction to the Musee Picasso Paris’ new immersive exhibition, “Picasso Celebration: The Collection In A New Light!” The exhibition, curated by the museum’s president Cecile Debray and Joanne Snrech, features the works of the legendary artist as seen through Paul’s ever-curious eyes, offering a fresh interpretation of Picasso’s sweeping oeuvre.

A New Take On An Old Icon

The exhibition, which has been five years in the making, marks the 50th anniversary of the artist’s passing and opens on 7 March 2023. It showcases the works of Picasso in a way that reflects Paul’s strong use of colour, stripes, sketching, and abstract forms. The exhibition explores various themes, including cubism, the blue period, sculpture, collage, portraiture, costume, ceramics, biomorphism, the theatre, and fashion advertising.

A Fitting Tribute

The opening room of the museum features the artist’s iconic “Bull’s Head” (1942) alongside a wall of handlebars as a nod to Paul’s lifelong love of cycling. Visitors will also discover the Breton room, which stands as a tribute to Picasso’s famed marinière Breton tee.

The Bestiary room explores Picasso’s relationship with animals and is designed around a photo studio setup with a pair of goats. A room with a giant Signature Stripe rug, a custom commission by the Rug Company, one of Paul Smith’s long-standing collaborators, are also on display.

Picasso Through Different Artistic Lenses

The exhibition also includes contemporary pieces from living artists Guillermo Kuitca, Obi Okigbo, Mickalene Thomas, and Chéri Samba, which are presented alongside a wealth of Picasso’s masterpieces to contextualise and, in some cases, challenge his legacy.

“The Musee Picasso generously gave me carte blanche to offer a new interpretation. It’s a fantastic and very humbling opportunity, explains Smith. “The exhibition represents Paul’s interpretation of Picasso’s work, while maintaining the upmost respect for the artist himself. There is a humour and playfulness throughout while remaining deferential to Picasso’s extraordinary life and legacy.”

Uncover this new artistic vision at the Official Picasso Celebration Website.