Cécile Debray, president of the Musée national Picasso-Paris, discusses a rare collaboration with galleries to present a three-artist exhibition in Venice during the Biennale. The show brings together Pablo Picasso, Giorgio Morandi, and Claudio Parmiggiani around the theme of the object and still life, highlighting unexpected philosophical and poetic connections. Debray explains how the selection of 14 Picasso works balances iconic pieces with lesser-known ones, including sculptures, to create a dialogue with Morandi's rigorous, serial approach and Parmiggiani's metaphysical art.
This exhibition matters because it marks the first time these three artists have been united around a common theme, revealing new dimensions in Picasso's work—particularly his mystical and austere side—by contrasting him with Morandi's obsessive focus and Parmiggiani's dust-covered practice. It also underscores Picasso's historical underrepresentation at the Venice Biennale, making his inclusion a significant curatorial statement. The show challenges conventional readings of Picasso, emphasizing his philosophical depth and poetic vision, while also showcasing Morandi's cubist side and Parmiggiani's enduring relevance.