New York after Paris

05 April 2016

Pera Museum is proud to present an exhibition of Giorgio de Chirico, a pioneer of the metaphysical art movement and one of the most extraordinary artists of the 20th century. This part of Giorgio de Chirico: The Enigma of the World exhibition, called “New Themes and Classical Painting Technique (1930-1940)” illustrates de Chirico’s departure from Paris to move to New York. 

Still Life with Knife, 1932, oil on canvas, 80 x 140 cm, Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico Collection, Rome

New Themes and Classical Painting Technique (1930-1940)

De Chirico’s heydays in Paris came to a dramatic end once the Great Depression wave of economic hardship arrived upon European shores. The Parisian art market and its seemingly incessant thirst for contemporary art at high prices all but dried up overnight. The subject-matter of the mid to late 1920s became difficult to sell, and de Chirico, encouraged by his newfound companion Isabella Pakszwer, began to look to the great masters with renewed vigour once again, with more traditional subjects and painting techniques returning to his artistic production. In search of more fertile terrain, de Chirico spent 1936-1937 living in New York. After several difficult years selling his work in Europe, the artist soon enjoyed the benefits of the favourable American art market. His return to Europe alternated in periods spent in Italy and Paris, owing to de Chirico’s disgust of the Fascist regime and their propagation of race laws. 

The Turk, 1935, oil on canvas, 36,5 x 46 cm, Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico Collection, Rome

Seascape near Genova, 1933, oil on canvas, 53 x 65 cm, Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico Collection, Rome 

Highlighting his various periods with examples from his earliest works to last ones, Giorgio de Chirico: The Enigma of the World exhibition took place at the Pera Museum between 24 February - 08 May 2016.

Fluid Rego

Fluid Rego

While Paula Rego belatedly was recognised as one of the leading feminist pioneers of her age, little has been written about her exploration of fluid sexuality. Indeed the current of sado-masochism in her drawings and paintings, has tended to encourage an understanding as a classic clash between the patriarchy and exploited women.

From Cypresses to Turkish Landscapes

From Cypresses to Turkish Landscapes

Among the most interesting themes in the oeuvre of Prassinos are cypresses, trees, and Turkish landscapes. The cypress woods in Üsküdar he saw every time he stepped out on the terrace of their house in İstanbul or the trees in Petits Champs must have been strong images of childhood for Prassinos. 

Los Caprichos

Los Caprichos

It can be seen how Goya gradually and constantly investigated all the technical possibilities of creative engraving from etching to lithography.