Picasso’s grandchildren, and children of Maya Picasso, Olivier Picasso and Diana Widmaier Picasso. Gagosian. Courtesy Karla Otto
On Friday night, art and fashion worlds came together at the Gagosian gallery for the vernissage of a new exhibition, “Picasso and Maya: Father and Daughter,” in Paris. Curated by Picasso’s granddaughter, art historian Diana Widmaier Picasso, the exhibition features paintings and sculptures devoted to her mother, Maya, as seen by the Spanish artist. It is the first exhibition devoted to Maya, born María de la Concepción in 1935, and who once said, “These pictures are unbelievably true to life. Everything’s here: my little girl’s clothes, my hair, even my toys…” Also showcased are unpublished photos, films, letters, and poems that explore the relationship between father and daughter.
Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Maya, 1943. © Succession Picasso 2017
Of Picasso’s four children, Maya is depicted the most in his paintings, from infancy to when she was 10 years old. She is the daughter of Marie-Thérèse Walter, Picasso’s favorite and most iconic model. The two secretly lived in an apartment at 44 rue de La Boétie, only a few doors over from Picasso’s own residence at number 23.
Diana Widmaier Picasso and Larry Gagosian. Gagosian, Paris. Courtesy Karla Otto
Receiving guests, including musical director Mimi Xu, Aurelie Bidermann, and French author Michel Houellebecq, were Widmaier Picasso and art dealer Larry Gagosian. Following the exhibition, guests, including Vogue Arabia’s editor-in-chief, Manuel Arnaut, and Riccardo Tisci, continued to Le Piaf for an evening of dancing.
Mimi Xu. Gagosian. Courtesy Karla Otto
