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Partners and Collaborators
“Picasso – Birth of a Genius” is presented in collaboration with Muséenational Picasso-Paris.
The exhibition is made possible through the support of the French Embassy in China. As an important part of Festival Croisements 2019, the exhibition has received support from numerous French and Chinese national institutions; by presenting a selection of important work by one of the twentieth century’s preeminent artists, who spent much of his life in France, UCCA hopes to promote the cultural and artistic exchange between these two countries.
Festival Croisements is the major cultural event of the French Embassy in China.
The first foreign festival in China, Festival Croisements has built up over the years a strong identity expressed in its artistic, ambitious and innovative choices. Its programming showcases singular works and artists, from France and China, in all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, music, cinema, literature, and ideas. The recognition acquired from the general public and cultural partners over fourteeneditions enables it today to make live and resound this intercultural dialogue in more than thirty cities in China and on the international scene, within the framework of important collaborations.
www.faguowenhua.com
The exhibition is organized with the support of the art and culture agency Doors门艺. Founded in 2017 by Bérénice Angremy and Victoria Jonathan, Doors is a Franco-Chinese agency specialized in the production and promotion of art and culture. Through creative projects and innovative events, their goal is to open doors and facilitate cultural exchange between China and Europe. Doors has also contributed to the exhibition’s supporting public programs, in particular the performance PEPI, specially commissioned from I Could Never Be A Dancer to pay tribute to Picasso’s Mediterranean roots and the choreographic forms that inspired him. Recent Doors projects include Xiamen’s Jimei x Arles photo festival, and collaborations with Centre Pompidou, Philharmonie de Paris, Jeu de Paume, Lille World Design Capital, and Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson.
www.doors-agency.com
The exhibition is designed by Studio Adrien Gardère (SAG). Founded in 2000, SAG has continually worked towards a comprehensive, integrated approach in its practice, and has been met with international success in projects ranging from permanent museum and temporary exhibition design to product design. SAG has collaborated and established long-lasting relationships with major institutions, architects, and private entities all around the world.
www.studiogardere.com
Special Programs
In conjunction with the exhibition, UCCA presents four weekends of public programs including panel discussions along with performing artsand cinema events. This ongoing series, titled “Adventures with Picasso,” seeks to introduce audiences to the life and work of the artist in a variety of different formats. Academics will introduce Picasso from every angle, including through the “Picasso in China” forum, which will analyze Picasso’s relationship with China through lectures and discussions on June 15. Further academic programs include the panel “Picasso’s South” on June 29, featuring José Lebrero Stals, the artistic director of Museo Picasso Málaga, and the poet Xi Chuan, amongst others, reflecting on the Mediterranean character of the artist’s oeuvre. Pianist Gao Ping, choreographic duo I Could Never Be A Dancer, and 3C (Creative Composers Collective) will present original works inspired by Picasso’s paintings and his collaborations in the worlds of dance and theater, on June 29, July 20, and August 24, respectively. At the same time, a series of films related to Picasso will give audience members a glimpse of this artistic master’s life story. For detailed information, please visit www.ucca.org.cn/programs
Throughout the run of the show, UCCA’s philanthropic arm, UCCA Foundation, will offer a series of specially designed children’s education programs. All proceeds from guided tours for young visitors and a special commemorative packet of art supplies will be used to support UCCAFoundation’s projects bringing access to art and education to underserved populations around China.
Taking inspiration from Picasso’s creative development, UCCA’s renowned art-education initiative UCCA Kids will offer a series of five workshops. Structured around the themes “Happy Young Artists” (June 15 and 16), “The Colors of Emotion: Rose and Blue” (June 22 and 23),“Ancient Art” (June 29 and 30), “New Dimensions in Painting” (July 6 and 7), and “Picasso on Stage” (June 13 and 14), the workshops utilize the story of Picasso’s personal growth as an artist to trace the journey from childhood innocence, to the explorations of youth, to maturity and an artistic breakthrough. Space is limited; please call +8610 5780 0202/03 ahead of time to book.
Picasso – Birth of a Genius Exhibition Catalogue
This bilingual (Chinese-English) book includes an original essay by curator Emilia Philippot which expands on the argument made in the exhibition, and another by art historian Wu Xueshan that explores Picasso’s enduring legacy in China. Edited by UCCA and published by the Culture and Art Publishing House, it also includes caption information and full-color images of all 103 artworks exhibited, as well as an extensive chronology and bibliography. The catalogue can be purchased at UCCA or online at UCCA’s store on JD.com. The retail price is RMB 268.
Exhibition Merchandise
To celebrate this exhibition, UCCA Store has launched a line of products to accompany “Picasso – Birth of a Genius,” officially licensed by the Picasso Administration, the representative of the Picasso Estate. The range of products, which will be available in the newly renovated UCCA Store, includes canvas bags, notebooks, and t-shirts, as well as commemorative prints, posters, and notecards.
UCCA Summer Party
On July 19, UCCA will host the first edition of the UCCA Summer Party, a new annual fundraising event that serves as the summer counterpart to the UCCA Gala held each November. The Summer Party gathers art lovers from all fields to show their support for UCCA’s mission and programs, while celebrating the individuals and corporations that have made significant contributions to UCCA. The evening program will include special access to the exhibition and the world premiere of the specially commissioned performance PEPI by the choreographic duo I Could Never Be A Dancer, which pays vivid homage to Picasso’s Mediterranean roots, fusing flamenco and acrobatics. Featuring great food, drink, and music, the UCCA Summer Party is sure to be an evening to remember. For more information or to purchase tickets (RMB 888), please contact Li Lin at lin.li@ucca.org.cn.
About Musée national Picasso-Paris
Musée Picasso’s considerable collection was established after two donations made through “acceptance in lieu,” an alternative to inheritance tax, by Picasso’s heirs in 1979, and later by the heirs of his widow, Jacqueline, in 1990. This is the first major endeavor that the Musée Picasso will have undertaken in China since its institutional revitalization in 2014, under the leadership of new director Laurent Le Bon, and his novel curatorial framework.
www.museepicassoparis.fr
Conditions for the reproduction of Pablo Picasso's works
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