Art Review: Miró and the United States
Joan Miró, the Catalan artist known for his whimsical and colorful paintings, had a deep connection with the United States that shaped his artistic journey. In a letter to his New York City gallerist, Pierre Matisse, Miró expressed his desire to be in direct contact with America, a country he believed would greatly influence his work. This sentiment is at the heart of the exhibition “Miró and the United States” at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona.
The exhibition explores Miró’s seven visits to the US between 1947 and 1968, showcasing his impact on American artists and the creative exchange that took place between them. With nearly 140 artworks on display, the show traces Miró’s US trajectory from his early days to his later public commissions in major cities like Chicago and Houston. It reveals surprising connections between the Catalan artist and his American peers, highlighting the profound influence of the US on Miró’s art.
The exhibition opens with the two artworks that introduced Miró to US audiences in 1926, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his relationships with American artists like architect Josep Lluís Sert and sculptor Alexander Calder. The show also sheds light on Miró’s involvement in the vibrant art scene of New York City, including his collaboration with artists at Atelier 17, a printmaking studio where he worked alongside Louise Bourgeois and Alice Trumbull Mason.
One of the exhibition’s standout features is its focus on women artists, giving them a prominent place in the installation layout. Works by artists like Lee Krasner, Sarah Grilo, and Janet Sobel are showcased alongside those of their male counterparts, highlighting the diverse contributions of women to the art world. The exhibition also delves into Miró’s ongoing engagement with American culture, from his subscription to American magazines to his influence on American jazz and even a collaboration with the Dave Brubeck Quartet.
Miró once said, “It was really American painting that inspired me,” a sentiment that is evident in the way his work evolved through his interactions with American artists. “Miró and the United States” demonstrates how Miró’s connection to America opened up new creative territory and forever changed his artistic practice. The exhibition will be on view at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona until February 22 before traveling to the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC from March 21 to July 5.
Experience the vibrant world of Miró and the United States at this groundbreaking exhibition that celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
