The governments of Spain and France are honouring legendary and famous Spanish artist Pablo R. Picasso by organizing The Picasso Celebration 1973-2023 program around the world. The Embassy of Spain in India, through its Tourism Office, officially launched the year commemorating the 50th anniversary of passing away of Pablo R. Picasso.
H. E. Ambassador of Spain to India Mr. José M. Ridao and H.E. Deputy Consul and Head of Chancery of France to India Mr. Sami Bouakaze addressed the esteem gathering. Mr. Ridao emphasized the artistic legacy of Picasso as part of the wide and occasionally undiscovered cultural offer of the country. Mr. Bouakaze highlighted the influence Picasso’s artwork had during his stay in France.
The event was also marked by the presence of The Consul General of Spain in Mumbai Mr. Fernando Heredia Noguer. The Picasso Celebration is showcasing fifty exhibitions and events at renowned cultural institutions across the world.
Ambassador of Spain H.E. José M. Ridao Malaga Townhall representative Elena Pávlova and CG of Spain H.E. Fernando Heredia at the event.
The director of the National Tourism Office in Mumbai, Ms. Elisa Robles, presented the official poster of The Picasso Year 2023. She explained the links between the artist and the Spanish cities that will host the 16 exhibitions: A Coruña, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Málaga. Ms. Robles highlighted the ties between Spain and India when it comes to Picasso, since the cubist style of Picasso influenced the art of the famous Indian artist M.F. Husain, also known as the Indian Picasso. She explained that the only Picasso painting which is publicly exhibited in India is in Mumbai; and it is an iconic art work of Picasso, the colourful “La plage (the beach) Juan-les-Pins” (1937), located at Lodha Altamount, a beautiful building of Lodha Luxury Collection.
The presentation concluded with a speech of the Malaga Townhall representative Ms. Elena Pávlova. Apart from being the birthplace of Picasso, she explained the impact of the city through various themes such as the flamenco dancers, the port, the streets, among others, that can be found in the artist’s various art themes and paintings. The locations in Spain inspired Picasso to compose some of his most relevant artworks of the 20th century, and the National Tourism of Spain in India aims to promote the Spanish culture through the artist’s legacy and reinforce the position of Spain as a leading cultural tourism destination. The campaign is indeed an invite to discover Picasso and re-discover Spain, under the tagline “Spain inspired Picasso. Come, find your inspiration.”
Over a hundred art enthusiasts, influencers, travelers, bloggers and journalists and travel companies attended the event that was organized on 1st November at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
