La Piscine Museum in Roubaix, France, is presenting the exhibition Picasso à l’oeuvre through May 20. The show brings together 150 photographs of the American photojournalist David Douglas Duncan, shot between 1957 and 1973 in the painter’s homes.
Duncan’s images capture Picasso’s daily life in his ateliers and villas from the California to Mougins on the French Riviera. Photographs of the artist at work on paintings, sculptures and ceramics alternate with quiet moments with friends and family.
What’s striking is the discovery of these works in their original environment: the studio. It’s a far cry from the museum halls where we’ve grown accustomed to seeing Picasso’s work. Duncan’s photos depict a tireless Picasso, taking inspiration from the most banal activities; the fish skeleton sitting on his plate after a meal becoming a pattern for ceramic plates.
The thematic, spacious set-up of the exhibition encourages a dialogue between the works on display and Duncan’s photos, creating a totally new relationship between them and the viewer.
The exhibition is a success, and it gives visitors the opportunity the (re)discover this unique space.
Sybile Girault
Picasso à l’oeuvre
Exhibition Through May 20
Musée de la piscine de Roubaix
25 Rue de l’Espérance
59100 Roubaix
France
03 20 69 23 60
