20. Joan Miró

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20. Joan Miró

Audioguide

Joan Miró was born in Barcelona in 1883 and is considered one of the most influential and internationally recognized contemporary Spanish artists of the 20th century. In his work he developed a very personal line and acquired some of the nuances of surrealism. He discovered the work of Pablo Picasso during a trip to Paris in 1920 and was greatly influenced by his work.

In this piece we see a dedication to his friend, Francisco Moreno Galván. Elements typical of children's imagery can be observed, such as the depiction of stars with simplified strokes. A red squiggle appears in the center of the composition with the typical gestures of abstraction. The nerve of life, along with the warmth provided by the color, give us clues of the warmth and affection that the artist shows towards his friend.

José María Moreno Galván, in his book, Introduction to current Spanish painting, says this about Miró:

"Miró succeeds in abstracting the man of civilized habits and customs that dwell in him and that he puts into practice, awakening the elementary and primary man that dwells in all of us from his lethargy."