Everyone knows Catalan artist
Salvador Dalí, his infamous wild mustache and surrealist paintings of barren
landscapes with melted watches. His artwork of strange symbols, human body
parts and queer animal shapes fascinate people. Yet, I have never been drawn to
his work as I have with Joan Miró, an artist born in Barcelona who grew up in
the Gothic quarter.
I find Miró’s artwork fascinating
enough to observe for long periods of time. The colors used in his work are
vibrant, strong and saturated. I am drawn to the abstract symbols employed in
his paintings to distinguish female and male figures. Miró’s surrealist
paintings are usually recognizable because of the distinct artistic language he
created in his work, the solid black lines intersecting at different points on the
canvas with dots at the end to symbolize constellations, the three lines to indicate a person or eight thin lines in reference to the stars.
I like the movement of his lines
rising and falling at different points, the abstract symbols, and the energy of
the colors when you see the bright blaus, grocs, and vermells that overpower the
viewer. Aside from paintings, Mirò also created sculptures, murals and
ceramics.
Visit the Joan Miró Foundation in Montjuïc Park to view his work. I was
there recently and visitors are not allowed to take pictures anymore inside the
museum, unless you are with a group visiting and have permission from the
reception desk. A museum usher will quickly approach you and ask you to put
away your camera if you are caught trying to snap a picture of Miró's artwork. Lucky for me I flashed my yellow tag to show I had permission.
Even then I got a dismissive look from one annoyed usher. Some visitors did the
old I-am-just-resting-my-finger-on-the-shutter-button
and surreptitiously photographed artwork.
The museum's setting is located
on top of Monjuïc mountain where if you go out to the terrace to view more Miró sculptures, you will find a fantastic view of Barcelona and Montjuïc.
Gaudeix!
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| Maquette of Lovers With Almond Blossoms. |
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| Figure In Front Of the Sun 1968 |
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| Portrait of a Young Girl 1919 |
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| Figure 1969 |
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| Sir, Madam |
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| The Gold of the Azure 1967 |
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| Tapestry of the Foundation 1979 |
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| Woman and Bird |
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| The Day 1974--my favorite |
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| Woman Dreaming of Escape 1945 |
I am totally with you on the Dali vs. Miró thing. I really enjoyed the Miró museum, but was rushed out before I finished. I must return because I didn´t see so many of the sculptures you posted.
ReplyDeleteNice post, I’m conducting some research and on abstract painters and abstract artists. Can I add this link to my ever going reference on abstract paintings?
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