Calder-Picasso October 31, 2021–January 30, 2022

view slideshow

• Tickets include general admission
Due to limitations of space in this popular exhibition, masks are required for the safety of our guests and staff.

Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso—two of the foremost figures in 20th-century art—come together for a fascinating encounter in this presentation. The internationally traveling exhibition features paintings, sculptures, mobiles, and works on paper spanning the artists’ careers.

Calder-Picasso explores the artists’ prolific affinities as it reveals the radical innovation and enduring influence of their art. Conceived by the artists’ grandsons, the exhibition focuses on Calder’s and Picasso’s exploration of the void, or absence of space. Calder explored the absence of mass in his sculptures, and Picasso expressed contortions of time in his figurative work.

American artist Calder (1898–1976) and Spanish artist Picasso (1881–1973) both headed to Paris as young artists: Picasso in 1900 and Calder in 1926. Though their lives and work shared many parallels, the two men were not close, known to have met on only four occasions. Calder and Picasso were both engaged by the relationship of volume to space, and both pursued simplification to arrive at the essence of a subject. 

► Audio Guide
The exhibition audio guide delves deeper into selected works of art, with commentary and insights from the exhibition curators. Available free of charge, online and in the galleries. Disponible en español. To listen in the galleries, please bring your mobile device and headphones.
Best experienced on mobile devices with the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

► Shop the Show
See exhibition-related items at the MFA Shop online.

► Publication
The illustrated exhibition catalogue is available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum’s Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).

► Overview
Find out more about Calder-Picasso from Ann Dumas, consulting curator of European art.

► Conversation with the Director
MFAH Director Gary Tinterow hosts an inside look at Calder-Picasso with the artists’ grandsons, Alexander S. C. Rower and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.

Calder-Picasso / October 31, 2021–January 30, 2022