If you’re looking for inspiration on how to remain vital and creative well into old age, look no further than Spanish artist Joan Miró. The new exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, Joan Miró: Instinct & Imagination (opening March 22), celebrates the works he created during the last 20 years of his life.
Miró’s prolificness and innovation during his seventies and eighties illustrate “there’s a life ahead of us,” Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM, told the media at a preview on March 19.
Indeed, these artworks (approximately 50) show a master thriving well into old age. “He’s not slowing down; he’s gearing up,” said Gwen Chanzit, curator of modern art and local curator of the exhibition. He was trying new ideas and new materials, and trying to capture a spirit of freedom. “Miró was always in belief you should be free, and work from your senses,” Chanzit said.
His whimsical and colorful paintings and sculptures are sure to inspire and delight visitors of all ages. The exhibition includes a family game that encourages kids and grown-ups to find the different symbols Miró used, such as birds and stars.
In addition, the DAM and Buntport Theater Company have developed a new play, “Miró, Magic, and the Night,” which will be performed for families at the museum three times (the first performance is March 28).
“The exhibition offers surprises at every turn, and I encourage you to turn, to look around at all sides of the sculptures, and to see the connections between the paintings and sculptures,” Chanzit said.
Joan Miró: Instinct & Imagination travels to the DAM from the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. You can see images from the media preview in the slide show below.
João Fernandes, director of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, speaking to media. "We are very excited to bring these works to Colorado."
"Miró’s imaginative, playful, and whimsical way of working was particularly inspiring to all of us at the DAM–from the exhibition team to all of our amazing programmers," said Danielle St. Peter, experience and interpretation specialist, modern and contemporary art.
