Picasso: The other half of the sky

Picasso, Jacqueline , film director Henri-Georges Clouzot and his wife Vera attending the showing of “Le mystère Picasso” (“The Mystery of Picasso”). Cannes Film Festival 1956.

One of the greatest artists of the 20th century and his complex relationship with women is explored through shots by one of the most successful 20th-century photographers. Organized by Metamorfosi and Città Metropolitana, the exhibition showcases almost 80 photographs by Irish photo-reporter Edward Quinn. 

The unusual friendship that linked the renowned Spanish artist Picasso to the Irish photographer Edward Quinn is revealed through the intimacy of the shots that recount Picasso in his private and public life. Accepted into his private life, Quinn followed Picasso to the French Riviera, photographing him for about twenty years. His nephew detailed their first encounter on the French Riviera, in which Picasso said of Quinn, “Lui, il ne me dérange pas“, (“he doesn’t bother me”). On March 23, 1953, Quinn photographed him for the first time while Picasso was conducting his work and thus became one of the few photographers who were allowed to photograph him while he was creating his art.

The protagonists of these works are the women who loved the artist. The master is portrayed among his lovers and friends, as well as his children, with several familiar scenes that became subjects of his art, revealing how he was inspired by everyday things and people, as well as the extraordinary. The authentic, documentary-style works unveil the artist’s personality, passions and dedication to his work. The photos come from the Quinn Archive in Zurich and were selected by the curator of the exhibition, Wolfgang Frei, nephew of the photographer.

PICASSO – THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY.

Photographs by Edward Quinn.

Until March 1, 2020 at Palazzo Medici Riccardi

For more information on the unmissable works, call 055 2760552 or see www.palazzomediciriccardi.it.

Open from 9am-7pm every day except Wednesday, tickets cost 10 euro, reduced 6 euro.