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Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is one of the most widely recognised and influential artists of the 20th century, boldly explored different fields of art throughout his life and created numerous works of art. From tomorrow (May 19) until July 22, 56 of his original works - 49 paintings and seven sculptures - selected from the precious collection of the Musˆme National Picasso, Paris will be on show to the public at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Becoming a talk-of-the-town cultural event, the "PICASSO - Masterpieces from Musˆme National Picasso, Paris" exhibition features such representative works as "Woman Sitting in a Red Armchair", "Paulo as Pierrot", "Portrait of Dora Maar", "The Barefoot Girl" and "Man with a Moustache". The famous sculpture, "Head of a Bull", is also included.
Jointly presented by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Musˆme National Picasso, Paris. It is one of the highlight cultural events to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the 20th edition of Le French May.
The exhibition was officially opened today (May 18) by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing; the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Arnaud Barthelemy; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Le French May, Dr Andrew Yuen; the President of Musˆme National Picasso, Paris, Mrs Anne Baldassari; and the Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Ms Belinda Wong.
Mr Tsang said it is indeed a great honour for the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to take part in organising this blockbuster exhibition, which is the most comprehensive retrospective of Picasso ever held in Hong Kong and a much anticipated event for all art lovers.
He said the exhibition is the highlight of this year's Le French May, which has been a very successful annual arts festival, bringing to the people of Hong Kong a rich variety of splendid cultural performances and exhibitions. The cultural collaboration between France and Hong Kong has been fruitful and this year the two parties can work together again on this world-class exhibition, which takes on a special meaning that marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR as well as the 20th edition of the festival.
Selected from the Musˆme National Picasso, Paris, the majority of the works on display came from the donation to the French government by Picasso's family. These works cover every phase of Picasso's diversified creation - from his Blue, Rose, Primitive and Cubist stages to Neoclassical and Expressionist - representing over 70 years of Picasso's artistic exploration and accomplishment.
Pablo Picasso is a hugely prolific and an iconic figure in the history of modern art. He boldly explored different fields of art throughout his life, tirelessly experimenting in painting, sculpture, print-making, sketching and ceramics as well as playing with materials and ideas.
Constantly studying and perfecting his skill, he never ceased reflecting on and re-affirming his artistic practice, which hovered between the realms of art and reality, the physical world and the world of the imagination. His autobiographical works not only document epoch-making social changes and the spirit of his times, but also reveal the charisma of Picasso as a painter, a friend, a lover, a father, a celebrity and an artistic genius.
In order to give the public more opportunities to view this wonderful exhibition, the museum will extend its opening hours during the exhibition period. Scheduled viewing sessions will also be arranged to enable visitors to see the exhibition in a comfortable environment. Meanwhile, advance tickets are also arranged for sale in three phases.
The first phase of ticket sales covers May 19 to June 8. As the response from the public has been overwhelming since the advance tickets were put on sale on May 4, tickets for all viewing sessions on May 19 and 20, the first two days of the exhibition, have already sold out. Members of the public who don't want to miss the exhibition are advised to buy tickets in advance.
To enhance visitors' knowledge of Picasso and his works, the museum has also put on display some of Picasso's photos and a video featuring his creativity. Public guided tours and talks will be organised during the exhibition period.
"PICASSO - Masterpieces from Musˆme National Picasso, Paris" will be open from 10am to 8pm daily except Tuesdays when the museum is closed. The admission fee for the exhibition is standardised at $20. Visitors using a Picasso exhibition ticket can also visit other exhibition galleries in the museum for free. Children under four years old are entitled to free admission. As it is a special exhibition, free admission on Wednesdays and concession tickets are not applicable. LCSD museum pass holders are required to present their museum pass for redemption of admission vouchers for entry to the exhibition. Vouchers will be available for redemption on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum 15 minutes before each viewing session.
Schools, registered charitable and non-profit-making organisations that make a group visit with a minimum of 20 persons can apply in writing for free admission. Application forms can be downloaded from the website at hk.heritage.museum.
Advance tickets are being sold in three phases as follows:
* Phase1: from May 4 (for exhibition dates from May 19 to June 8)
* Phase 2: from May 25 (for exhibition dates to June 29)
* Phase 3: from June 15 (for exhibition dates to July 22)
Tickets are available at all URBTIX outlets and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum¡¦s box office. Internet booking via URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) and credit card telephone booking (Hotline: 2111 5999) are also available.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is located at 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin. Paid car parking is available at the museum. Those who prefer to use public transport may take the MTR Ma On Shan Line and get off at the Che Kung Temple Station, which is within three minutes' walk of the museum.
For details of the exhibition and ticketing arrangements, please visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum's website at www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/eng/exhibitions/exhibition_details.aspx?exid=189. For enquiries, please call 2180 8188.
Ends/Friday, May 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 21:07
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