And here we have the second part of Joan Miró’s life. In our last post about him, he had finished his studies and found his first job. His intention was to work during the day and improve his technique in the afternoon, but there was an unexpected obstacle: his schedule. He had to work from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. With this timetable, what else can you do?
This would be the turning point of his new life. Once back in Barcelona, Miró announced to his parents that he was going to become a painter. And this time, his family finally supported him.
Joan Miró becomes a painter
The future artist began studying at Francesc d’Assís Galí’s art school. Mr. Galí quickly noticed that Miró had some trouble painting reality and tried a unique teaching method: first, Miró had to stare at an object, then close his eyes and touch it. After seeing and feeling its form, Miró was finally able to draw it. The artist later named this sensory experience: « the memory of my hands ».
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Joan Miró started to produce his work under the influence of the avant-garde movements, and in 1918, he managed to have his first solo exhibition at the Dalmau Gallery, one of the most famous in Barcelona, featuring 64 of his works. But Barcelona wasn’t on the same wavelength yet, and he didn’t sell a single painting. Miró, feeling depressed, had the same reaction as most ambitious Catalan artists at the time: travel to Paris.
Miró in Paris
Did you know that Joan Miró’s mother was a good friend of Picasso’s mother, and their friendship went back twenty years?
When Miró’s mother found out that her son was leaving for Paris, she went to see Ms. Picasso to share the news and ask if she wanted to send anything to Pablo. Ms. Picasso gave Joan Miró a traditional cake along with Pablo Picasso’s address.
Once in Paris, Miró went to visit his famous neighbor. He rang the bell, and when the genius opened the door, he said: « Hello, my name is Joan Miró, I am from Barcelona, and your mother sends you this cake. » It was 1920, and that sweet delivery sparked a friendship that lasted until Picasso’s passing in 1973.
Would you like to know a little bit more?
Miró’s universe is fascinating, but his unique language of symbols—women, birds, stars, and eyes—can sometimes be difficult to interpret on your own. That is one of the greatest advantages of visiting the Joan Miró Foundation with an expert guide! Not only will a guide help you decode the hidden meanings behind his abstract masterpieces, but they will also help you navigate the vast collection efficiently, making sure you don’t miss the stunning architectural details of the building designed by Miró’s close friend, Josep Lluís Sert.