For the first time, the Parisian Picasso Museum is refreshing its main exhibits to feature a section solely devoted to Françoise Gilot, marking a significant move to celebrate her as a distinguished artist beyond just being known as Picasso's ex-lover.
Cécile Debray, the museum's president, emphasized in an announcement that Gilot, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 101, is rightfully being honored for her artistic legacy.
This new arrangement at the Hôtel Salé, part of the Picasso Museum, will explore various phases of Gilot's artistry, from her early connection with the group Réalités nouvelles to her acclaimed large-scale 'emblematic paintings' from the 1980s. Room 17 on the third level will serve as the venue for this tribute, which not only showcases her art but also touches upon her controversial 1964 autobiography, Life with Picasso, which portrayed Picasso in an uncomplimentary light and which he unsuccessfully tried to block from publication.
The exhibit aims to concentrate solely on Gilot's professional achievements without including any of Picasso's depictions of her or referencing her role as his muse. This approach, a first for the Picasso Museum, offers a unique perspective on Gilot's contributions to art. The display is scheduled to be open for an entire year.
Joanne Snrech, a curator at the museum, told about the importance of presenting Gilot’s works to challenge the narrative of her merely being Picasso's partner. She highlighted the breadth of Gilot’s artistic journey, underscoring the significance of recognizing her individuality beyond her association with Picasso.
Gilot encountered Picasso in 1943 when she was just 21, with a significant age difference between them. They shared a decade of life together, during which they had two children, Claude and Paloma, and despite their relationship, Gilot continued her painting. After leaving Picasso in 1953 with their children, she faced severe repercussions as Picasso attempted to erase her from their shared history and the larger art community.
In her memoir "Life with Picasso", co-written with Carlton Lake, she expressed gratitude towards Picasso for ultimately propelling her towards self-discovery and resilience. Following the contentious release of her book and subsequent backlash in France, Gilot relocated to the United States in the 1970s, later marrying virologist Jonas Salk. Just before she died in June, one of her paintings fetched $1.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021.
Jean Dubreil