Henri Laurens 1885-1954. Sculpture and Drawings

This is the first anthological exhibition of sculptures and drawings by Henri Laurens to be held in Spain. Laurens is one of the great exponents of modern sculpture, and his capturing of space through volume lies at the origin of one of the fields explored by contemporary sculpture.

The oeuvre of Henri Laurens is exhibited for the first time in Spain in this anthological exhibition organised by the Museu Picasso. The show is an opportunity to honour the French artist as one of the originators of the trend in contemporary sculpture that defines space through the presence of mass.

Virtually unknown to Spanish audiences, Henri Laurens is no doubt one of the most important representatives of modern sculpture, whose name is closely tied to those of Braque, Picasso, Gris, Léger, Modigliani, Maillol, Matisse and Brancusi. In constant dialogue with them, his work was far removed from the economic and commercial interests of his times. As he gradually attained artistic maturity, he distanced himself from the lyrical qualities of the avant-garde. While most critics were indifferent to his work, the reviews published by sympathetic organs close to Laurens's circle (Cahiers d'Art with Zervos, Verve with Tériade) championed his oeuvre. Friends and companions also defended the sculptor with supportive attitudes, the most popular of which was Matisse's decision to share the prize for painting he had been awarded by the twenty-fifth Venice Biennale in 1950 with Laurens, thus expressing his indignation with the jury.