Looking at Miro

The artist does not live in bliss. He is sensitive to. . . the events 

which compel him to act. This is bound to happen. This is not an

intellectual attitude but a profound feeling, something like a cry

of joy which delivers you from anguish.

~ Joan Miro 

The National Gallery of Art's "Joan Miro: The Ladder of Escape" concluded in August. In addition to featuring approximately 120 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints from the celebrated artist's long career, the exhibition offered the video appearing below. It's a brief (19:18 minutes) but informative overview of the painter's life, artistic process, and styles.

Produced by NGA, the film looks specifically at the effects on Miro's career of the Spanish Civil War, the Franco regime and facism, and World War II. It includes original footage shot in Catalonia and Barcelona, archival footage and photos, and a selection of images of Miro's paintings and sculpture.

The video also is available at iTunes.

Joan Miro in NGA Collection

Exhibition Catalogue Joan Miro: The Ladder of Escape