| JOAN MIRO 1893-1983 |
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The first major UK showing of Joan Miro sculpture takes place this month at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It seems likely that it will be another extremely popular show judging by the record number of visitors who came last year to see the work of another Catalonian, Jaume Plensa. It is Miro`s grandsons Emilio and Joan who look after his estate and they came to the launch of the exhibition. The brothers agree that YSP is a great place to show off their grandfather’s work. They believe the Underground Gallery with its clean cut architecture of brick, stone, metal and glass is perfect for exhibiting the work of the artist. |
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A lot of work has gone into arranging for the sculpture pieces to be brought from Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Verona and many other places, to meet up in Yorkshire. There are many pairs: husband and wife; father and son; couples, which have been brought together again at the Park. The curating team at YSP was lead by Claire Lilley who has worked hard over the last two years to secure this coup. Although they were concerned about following one Spanish artist with another so soon, it was felt that when the opportunity was offered, it was too good to miss. The summer exhibition will be the first time Miro`s sculptures have had such a comprehensive showing. |
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Although very famous for his paintings, Miro spent more and more time in the 60s on his sculptures. He always said it was very much `of the people`, and this accessibility is in tune with the philosophy at YSP, where visitors can get up and close with the works. The exhibition covers his work from 1966 to 1982 and is displayed throughout the Underground Gallery and outside on the lawns and elsewhere in the park. The extensive collection on display shows an enormous range of styles and work completed in a relatively short period of time. |
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Peter Murray the director at YSP said that since the opening more than 30 years ago, he had always hoped they would have the chance to bring Miro`s sculptures to the park. He said the key factor had been to gain the confidence of the grandsons, who had been impressed with the facilities and passion of the staff at the YSP. It seems likely that this coup which is the first full retrospective of the work of Miro in the world, will once again push up the visitors to the park, possibly over the 350,000 of last year. |
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See BBC Look North video on the exhibition
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Art of other Spanish artists like that displayed at the Miro Sculpture Park |
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