5 must-see pieces at M+’s ‘Picasso for Asia’ exhibition
Hong Kong’s contemporary arts museum explores the legendary Spanish painter through a modern Asian lens
A view of the M+ special exhibition “Picasso for Asia—A Conversation”. Photo: Alexander MakLooking to learn more about one of the 20th century’s greatest painters? Head to Hong Kong’s M+ museum for the Picasso for Asia – A Conversation exhibition exploring the legendary Pablo Picasso through a contemporary Asian lens.
This show blends over 60 works by the legendary Spanish artist with 130 pieces by 30 Asian and Asian-diasporic artists, creating a vibrant dialogue between East and West. It is the first major exhibition of Picasso’s work in Hong Kong in more than a decade and is set to cement Hong Kong’s status as a cultural hotspot.
Here are some must-see pieces that steal the show, perfect for Young Post readers looking to dive into this creative fusion.
1. Picasso’s cubist breakthrough: Dead Birds (1912)
This early cubist work is a must-see. It exemplifies the revolutionary style Picasso co-invented, breaking away from traditional art with its fragmented forms and multiple perspectives; think of it as Picasso’s artistic rebellion. It’s especially interesting to see how Asian artists later took inspiration from and reinterpreted cubism.
2. Hong Kong’s take: Luis Chan’s Cubist Sea Shore (1959)
This piece shows how Picasso’s influence reached Hong Kong. Chan, a self-taught artist, absorbed cubism and made it his own. Seeing it next to Picasso’s Dead Birds lets you compare and contrast how different cultures engage with artistic movements. It highlights the global flow of ideas.
Hong Kong exhibition explores history through family heirlooms, highlighting everyday stories
3. Picasso’s powerful anti-war statement: Massacre in Korea (1951)
This painting is intense. Picasso painted it in response to the Korean war, expressing his anti-war sentiments. It’s a reminder that art can be a powerful commentary on social issues. The exhibition pairs it with a contemporary response from Simon Fujiwara.
4. Simon Fujiwara’s Who vs Who vs Who? (2024)
A direct response to Picasso’s Massacre in Korea, Fujiwara’s work brings the themes of violence and representation into the 21st century. It reflects on our obsession with screens and the constant flow of images in our digital world, making you think about how our relationship with images has changed.
5. Lee Mingwei’s Guernica in Sand (2006 to present)
This interactive installation in M+’s The Studio recreates Picasso’s Guernica (1937) as a sand painting. You can watch it being made, and on June 28, you can join a special event to walk over and sweep away the sand, erasing the artwork. It’s a cool, hands-on piece perfect for those who love art you can touch and experience.
Exhibition details
-
Title: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia – A Conversation
-
Dates: Until July 13
-
Location: West Gallery, M+, West Kowloon Cultural District, 38 Museum Drive, Kowloon, Hong Kong
-
Tickets: HK$240 for adults, HK$120 for elderly, children (aged 7 to 11 years old), and people with disabilities.