| Reviews. MAG 00. Dec-Jan 04 |
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Page 1 of 9 Sammer Gallery. Ceramic editions of Picasso December 2004 through January 2005Sammer Gallery is presenting an exhibition of the ceramic works of Pablo Picasso, more than 20 excellent pieces representing Picasso’s work at Madoura, between 1946-1971.  In 1946 Picasso visited the annual ceramics exhibition held in Vallauris, France. Especially taken by the works of the Madoura pottery, he was introduced to Suzanne and Georges Ramie, the owners of the pottery. He ended that day making two pieces at their pottery, and leaving them to dry and be fired. It was one year later that Picasso returned to the pottery, and much to his delight was shown the two pieces from a year before, in excellent shape. He proceeded to start working, having brought along sketches made in preparation for that moment.It is a remarkable body of work. Outside of the unique ceramics, now found primarily in museums, the ceramic editions offer an insight into the concerns of the greatest artist of the 20th Century. The nature of the ceramic material, and the alchemy of combined glazes, insures a uniqueness to each piece, even while conforming to a precise and exacting method of reproduction. This is a large part of the attraction of the ceramics. Just as a fine etching may have variations in plate tone and inking, so can a ceramic have variations in firing results. This is a body of work created over twenty five years. It is amazing that it is so often overlooked in Picasso’s work. The subject matter ranged from mythical scenes of centaurs and fauns and nymphs to still life subjects of fish or fruit, to clown-like faces or classical grand forms of women dancing and enjoying music, or bullfights and toreadors. There are many others. The sensuousness of classical imagery and Mediterranean life burst forth in the earthy primal material of clay, linking Picasso to the joyously expressive pottery found from ancient Crete. Certainly the post war feeling of exuberance fueled this outpouring of creativity. Sammer Gallery 3399 Ponce de Leon Blvd Coral Gables FL 33134 305 441 2005 |
