Pablo Picasso – Rare posters and ceramics by the trailblazing revolutionary of art and democracy

The European Cultural Delphi Centre, honoring the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece and joining the ongoing, since last year, events around the world for the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, organizes an exhibition under the title:

PABLO PICASSO

Rare posters and ceramics by the trailblazing revolutionary of art and democracy

Curator: Takis Mavrotas 

Fifty-five rare, authentic posters, created by Picasso himself using lithography, intaglio, or linoleum techniques, and most of which are signed by the artist, will be exhibited. All the posters on display belong to Werner Röthlisberger, avid collector and connoisseur of Picasso’s posters. His famous art collection, including 250 original posters by Picasso, has been exhibited in Switzerland and now goes on public display in Greece for the first time. At the entrance of the exhibition there is a QR code, where by scanning it visitors can get information, in five different languages, about each poster from the collector himself.

Among the exhibits are representative ceramics belonging to known collections, that exemplify his passion for the humble earthenware clay and the art of pottery.

Duration: 11 May – 10 June, 2024

Hours:

Mon.-Fri.: 08.00-21.00

Saturday/Sunday: 10.00-18.00.

Entrance: 5€. Children (up to 12 years old) and school visits: free  

A few words by the President of the Delphi Centre, Professor Panagiotis Roilos

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), an iconic figure in modern art, profoundly influenced not only formalistic aspects of the various visual arts (painting, sculpture, ceramics, engraving, and collage) with which he engaged but also the ways in which major figures of twentieth-century European culture would later approach broader aesthetic, political, and social issues. After his revolutionary painting known under the prudish title (not the original one that Picasso himself had opted for) Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907), European artists would never again see things with the same eyes.

A few words by the Director of the Delphi Centre, Professor Andreas Gofas

The organization of this exhibition, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece, is directly linked to the statutory mission of the European Cultural Delphi Centre, whose establishment in 1977 was an important initiative of the post-dictatorial period. It is also a brilliant continuation of the Centre’s multi-year Fine-arts Programme, inaugurated in 1988 with the International Meeting on “Painting and Sculpture at the end of the 20th century”. We hope that visitors to the exhibition will be inspired by the work of Picasso, whose influence extends far beyond the realm of art, shaping our understanding of democracy and citizenship in the modern world, and that they will benefit from their visit to the Delphi Centre, a space of exceptional natural beauty, architectural aesthetics, and spiritual energy.

A few words by the curator of the exhibition, Mr. Takis Mavrotas:

Picasso’s posters hold a significant place within his broader printmaking practice. His prolific nature and aversion to self-repetition fuelled a constant stream of innovative creations inspired by his broad scope of interests, breaking new ground in the evolution of art. Through lithography, intaglio, and linoleum techniques, his posters conveyed a powerful visual manifestation of his artistic and life poetic philosophies. These posters provided him with a platform to publicise his personal views on peace and democracy. Each one visualised a specific message, event, or piece of news, holding equal value to his drawings and prints.

Throughout his career, Picasso championed freedom in love, unconventionality in life, and liberation in thought. Modernism called for renewal and revitalisation, for reinterpreting ancient myths and the history of civilization. Picasso’s critical eye and depth of approach had a profound impact on shaping the contemporary post-modern mindset.

The European Cultural Delphi Centre extends sincere thanks to EUROLIFE FFH, grand sponsor; the AEGEAS Non-Profit Civil Company; the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation; the MAPEI HELLAS A.E.V.E.; the product sponsors AMALIA Hotels, MUSES Estate, ALLATINI, as well as the communication sponsors ERT S.A.; LiFO, and Kathimerini.

Special thanks are also due to Mr. Werner Röthlisberger, who entrusted us with 55 original Picasso posters from his iconic collection. Likewise, to the various anonymous, at their request, Greek collectors who enriched the exhibition with ceramics by the great artist.