Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb: Retrospective Exhibition Picelj and friends
Is there a better way to mark a centenary of the birth of an artist than a retrospective exhibition as a homage to his rich oeuvre?
Retrospective exhibition Picelj and friends is open at the Museum of Contemporary Art until 17 November. It is dedicated to Ivan Picelj (1924 – 2011), one of the most prominent Croatian artists of the 20th century and it is held to mark the centenary of his birth. It is organised by the Croatian Association of Fine Artists and the Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb, and it encompasses all segments of the artist’s activity, from painting, graphic design of posters, book layouts, catalogues and magazines. During the exhibition, which is the first since the artist passed away, an additional film and educational programmes, workshops for youth and other activities will also take place.
However, in line with artistic views of Ivan Picelj, this exhibition will also encompass artwork of his friends from Croatia and the world. He aspired to collective, not individual affirmation since early days, and created opportunities for other Croatian artists to be included in relevant exhibitions in the world in addition to himself. Also, Picelj’s work created links between Croatian art of the 1950s and artistic trends in foreign, mostly European centres of the era. His artistic views are the reason for the retrospective exhibition to be enriched with artwork of his friends, renowned artists from Croatia and the world.