Hong Kong 2023 Art Exhibitions - Joan Miro

The Hong Kong Museum of Art hosted a special exhibition on Spanish artist Joan Miro from March to June, including works starting from the late 1920s that were heavily influenced by surrealism. His style subsequently changed to experimenting with different practices and even public art. The exhibition is divided into 5 main areas. "The Object" - During the 1920s, Miro's works tried to link art with life. He had a passion to collect objects, including casting them in bronze. This wooden frame figure featuring a human with an umbrella was reproduced with permission in 1973, with the original from the early 1930s but lost during World War II. It includes an exaggerated display of male genitals. The materials used came from everyday life, but put together with a brand new meaning. Miro likes to collect everyday objects and moulding them into bronze for a new interpretation. This is a spoon protruding from the square cardboard hat box with a clock face in the middle. "Poetry and Matter" - In 1936, Miro openly said he didnt distinguish between painting and poetry. Using materials and methods that were unusual in the industry, some of his works on display give that visual shock. Influenced by Oriental culture and Chinese calligraphy, words were added into this painting, fusing poetry and painting together. Titled Fireworks, feel the explosive power in this work inspired by American expressionism. With 2 large studios on Mallorca, he had plenty of room to work in these types of large formats. "Folk Art" - Miro believed an object, no matter how local or ordinary, can be universal. Can you see a woman and a bird here? The face is made of a packaging box with 2 holes cut and a painted happy expression. Original attributes of these everyday objects were kept and presented simply. "Poster & Public Art" - Miro worked on illustrating posters in the 60s and 70s, depicting Spanish society towards the end of Franco's dictatorship. He also produced public art that was meant to be returned to nature and blend in, to the point where an insect landing on the sculpture becomes part of the art. In 1937, Miro designed a postage stamp to help fundraise during the Spanish Civil War. It was never produced though. Local artists were also invited to create works in response to Miro's art, making use of found objects to turn into a new piece of art. Leelee Chan produced this using plastic pallets, a common item to transport goods in the city.