Physical Dimensions: w18.6 x h32.2 cm (Without frame)
Exhibition: Caramulo, Portugal
Donated by:: Abel de Lacerda
Description: An artist with a fondness for Surrealism, whose manifesto he signed in
1924, Joan Miró invented his own peculiar pictorial calligraphy, totally
removed from the physical world, in 1924-25: a universe of elegant signs on
monochrome or lightly spotted backgrounds then began to appear in his painting,
expressed through linear forms in wavy lines that seemed to float in a space
filled with chromatic modulations, resulting in an innovative poetics, a kind
of rediscovered, captivating, childlike innocence. Extending such a practice into ceramics, an activity to which he devoted
himself with some continuity from 1945 onwards, Miró was commissioned in 1956
to produce two enormous ceramic panels for the new UNESCO building in Paris,
for which he was awarded the Guggenheim prize in 1958. At the same time as he
was involved in such projects, Miró also created numerous ceramic pieces in
these years, such as the example presented here: in this plaque with its
uniform background, it is the linear constructions that stand out, such as an
anecdotal, anthropomorphised figure with an appearance similar to that of
graffiti, or else a graphic star and a moon expressed through patches of
colour, which engage in a close dialogue with other coloured patches. Miró’s
peculiar pictorial system is thus transposed to ceramics, whose techniques
suited him perfectly, insofar as the glazed enamels highlight the chromatic
surfaces, giving them a greater shine and relief. RAS