An unusual exhibition has opened at the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, exploring the complex and multifaceted relationship between the Catalan artist and the culture of the United States. The exhibition, marking the foundation’s 50th anniversary, brings together 138 works, including pieces by iconic figures such as Louise Bourgeois, Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
Visitors will be able to view the exhibition until the end of February 2026. The organizers chose not to limit themselves to Miró’s own work, but to show how his ideas and artistic language influenced an entire generation of American artists. The exhibition also examines how Miró absorbed new trends while in postwar America, where freedom and hope sharply contrasted with the grim atmosphere of Europe.
The foundation’s anniversary has provided an opportunity not only to showcase rare works, but also to reconsider Miró’s contribution to world art. This time, the focus shifts from the familiar Parisian context to the artist’s American period. It was during this time that he formed relationships with writers, musicians, collectors, and artists, allowing him to move beyond the European scene and become a truly global figure.
Special attention was given by the curators to the architecture of the building, designed by Josep Lluís Sert. The gallery spaces are arranged to highlight the dialogue between Miró’s works and those of his American contemporaries. For example, in certain halls, visitors can identify unexpected parallels between the work of Louise Bourgeois, Maya Deren, and Lee Krasner. In another room, one of Miró’s “Constellations” is displayed between works by Krasner and Pollock, offering new perspectives on familiar pieces.
A detailed trilingual exhibition catalogue has also been published, featuring articles by leading experts on Miró’s work. Contributors include both the project curators and renowned researchers who have devoted years to studying the legacy of the Catalan artist.
The exhibition is set to be one of the year’s major cultural events in Barcelona. Not only does it shed light on lesser-known aspects of Miró’s biography, but it also invites visitors to reflect on how art can transcend boundaries and bring together people from different continents.
