One of the most anticipated art events in the city is the special exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation”. Opening in M+’s West Gallery on the second floor, this marks Hong Kong’s first major Picasso exhibition in over a decade, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring impact of the artist.

As a collaboration between M+ and Le French May, the exhibition features more than 60 masterpieces by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), on loan from the Musée National Picasso-Paris, the institution holding the world’s largest collection of his works. Alongside these, around 130 works by 30 Asian and Asian diaspora artists from the M+ collection, as well as pieces from other museums, foundations, and private collections, will be displayed, creating a cross-cultural and intergenerational dialogue.

Significant works by Picasso on show include he Acrobat(1930), Figures by the Sea (1931), Large Still Life with Pedestal Table (1931), Portrait of Dora Maar (1937), and Massacre in Korea (1951), to name a few. These are exhibited alongside works from the M+ collection by artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Chen Fushan, Gu Dexin, Keiichi Tanaami, and Haegue Yang, which engage in dialogue with Picasso’s legacy.

The exhibition explores four key archetypes that define Picasso’s artistic identity and examines why he remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. It also delves into his career and personal journey, highlighting the profound impact he continues to have on contemporary artists and audiences.

The Genius
Picasso displayed extraordinary talent at a young age, establishing his reputation in the art world. Aware of the allure of the "genius" label, he often portrayed himself as a mythical figure with superhuman abilities. Despite his immense success, he never ceased experimenting and creating, even in his later years, as if to prove his boundless talent. His self-mythologising invites viewers to question what makes an artist a "genius."

The Outsider
Picasso frequently positioned himself at the margins of the mainstream, using his outsider status to challenge societal norms. Throughout his career, he defied artistic conventions, depicting socially marginalised figures and pioneering Cubism, a movement that revolutionised representational art. He also drew inspiration from other cultures, particularly African art. Despite rejection and criticism, Picasso persisted in reinventing his style.

The Magician
Picasso transformed ordinary objects, people, and interiors into extraordinary works of art, almost as if by magic. In his later years, he turned to ceramics, creating whimsical plates, vases, and small sculptures. These works, displayed alongside contemporary pieces from the M+ collection, highlight his unique ability to uncover wonder in daily life.

The Apprentice
Picasso constantly learned from earlier artists and creators, drawing inspiration to push his own boundaries. His work spans different periods and styles of Western art history, often engaging in a dialogue with the past—whether by referencing specific genres, reinterpreting classics, or blending multiple styles in a single piece. It’s this inner "apprentice" that shaped him into the master artist we know today: one who sought, experimented, and ultimately surpassed his influences.

The exhibition runs from 15 March 2025 (Saturday) to 13 July 2025 (Sunday) at the M+ West Gallery. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with the art of Picasso and his influence on Asia and beyond.