“I think I’m too young for ceramics.”
That was the response a friend gave me upon learning that I was planning to cover the opening of the new Picasso exhibit at the University of Toronto Art Centre.
While at U of T, I’ve spotted my fair share of towering figures lingering about campus. A given day brings a handful of former diplomats and award-winning scientists and authors speaking, lecturing, and conducting classes as special guest instructors. One extraordinary week last fall, three Nobel Prize winners each spoke on campus within a few hours of one another-a feat for any stodgy bastion of intellect!
But until last week, the university had never seen the likes of Pablo Picasso, arguably the 20th century’s most influential-and celebrated-artist. Known for his innovative genius in standing tradition on its head, most recognize his contributions to pioneering the modern art form cubism: faces with disordered components, and mixed elements of differing cultures.
It is a rare occasion, indeed, that the university plays affable host to the opening of the largest-ever Canadian showcase of its kind -thanks to extensive renovations underway at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, and the close proximity of an “ideal space” for such an exhibit on Picasso-not as painter or sculptor as one might expect, but as ingenious ceramicist.
Borne of a moment of marked cultural rebirth in Toronto-surrounding the campus alone, work is underway at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the new Four Seasons opera-ballet house at Queen and University-the displaced exhibit is, fortunately for you and I, free for all students to attend.
Me: So, Pablo-I can call you Pablo, right?
Pablo Picasso: No.
Me: So, they’re doing a little work on the Gardiner Museum right now-adding a whole new floor and a nice little garden out front, or so I’m told. Do you feel a little put out by being put up at the university instead?
PP: Look, I’ll be honest with you. It’s been a while since I last had the opportunity to look around and appropriate what I wish. A university? Sounds like an excellent place to start.
Me: Right. Well, they are showing some of your earlier pieces. In fact, the exhibit focuses on some of your earlier renderings and artistic inspirations. Not to mention the varying phases of your interest in ceramics. I mean, most people would recognize your paintings and even be aware of the controversy surrounding “Les Demoisselles d’Avignon” (1907), but I don’t know if many would immediately associate you with cooking pots and such.
PP: Ah, but a simple vase can become so much! Merging customs, mimicking form… “Appropriations ranging from traditions around the world.”
Me: And, the women… I think that piece over there might depict-
PP: Appropriating the everyday! “Addressing the inherent play on surface and volume in ceramic art!” Turning ceramics upside-down!
Me: So, I’m assuming that they’ve given you access to the squash courts-care to join our Monday night ladder?
PP: “When there’s anything to steal, I steal.”
Me: Picasso, one last question-are you on Friendster?
PP: I’m afraid I already have enough friends.
The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art presents Picasso and Ceramics at the University of Toronto Art Centre. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm and Friday from 10 am to 9 pm. Free admission for all University of Toronto full and part-time students. www.utoronto.ca/artcentre.
