Essential Art Blog: Picasso's Big Year

The Dream (Le Rêve) 1932

What? Picasso – 1932 Love, Fame, Tragedy

Where? Tate Modern

When? Until September 9th

This exhibition focuses on works produced by Picasso over a single year, 1932, seen as a pivotal year in the 50 year old painter's life. His work during this period reflects both his responses to the popularity of Matisse and the emerging surrealists and his passionate affair with the then 22 year old Marie-Thérèse Walter.

The liaison with Marie-Thérèse had begun five years earlier, when she was just 17 and continued for 14 years until he left her for Dora Maar. Marie-Thérèse appears several times in various states of abstracted nudity - her curvaceous and sinuous form seemingly sculpted rather than painted across the surface of the canvas.

For Picasso lovers familiar with his work, this exhibition offers a refreshing perspective on Picasso's oeuvre. A true delight!