Abu dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Mus©e national Picasso-Paris and France Mus©ums, is set to present "Picasso, the Figure," an extensive exhibition dedicated to the renowned 20th-century artist Pablo Picasso. This landmark event will run from January 21 to May 31, 2026, showcasing Picasso's exploration of figuration through different art movements, including Cubism, classical portraits, and surrealist works.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition is curated by C©cile Debray, Virginie Perdrisot-Cassan, and Aisha AlAhmadi. It offers a chronological and retrospective view of Picasso's work, interweaving his artistic transformations with Greek mythology. Visitors will witness over 130 artworks, including pieces from Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection and significant loans from various regions such as France, Qatar, Lebanon, the UAE, and West Asia. Contributions from eight institutions and private collections further enrich the exhibition.
A notable aspect of the exhibition is the inclusion of works by Arab artists, emphasizing Picasso's influence on modern art in the Arab world. Featured artists include Dia al-Azzawi, Jewad Selim, Shakir Hassan Al Said, Ramses Younan, and Baya Mahieddine. These works highlight the ongoing dialogue between Picasso's legacy and Arab modernism.
Manuel Rabat©, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expressed the museum's excitement in unveiling the exhibition, emphasizing its role in connecting global artistic narratives. C©cile Debray and Virginie Perdrisot-Cassan highlighted the exhibition's focus on Picasso's reinvention of representation and expression across his career, offering a unique journey centered on the figure.
Visitors are introduced to the exhibition with a film sequence by Henri-Georges Clouzot, setting the stage for Picasso's artistic evolution. The exhibition is structured into five thematic sections, connecting Picasso's formal evolution with mythological archetypes. It explores his encounters with different art forms, his return to classicism, and the hybrid creatures of Surrealism.
A pivotal moment in the exhibition is the juxtaposition of Dora Maar's photographs with Dia al-Azzawi's artwork, illustrating art's role in political commentary. The final section showcases Picasso's late works, reflecting his Spanish identity and artistic freedom.
Guilhem Andr© and Aisha Al-Ahmadi highlighted the exhibition's innovative approach, focusing on mythology and cross-cultural artistic exchange. This collaboration marks a significant opportunity to display important Picasso artworks alongside Arab modernist pieces.
The exhibition is complemented by a range of community-focused programs, including talks, film screenings, and immersive experiences. Educational activities are also planned for all age groups, enhancing the visitor experience. A podcast and a multilingual catalogue will be available for those interested in exploring the exhibition's themes further.
