Joan Miró, a luminary in the world of art, was born in 1893 in Barcelona. At the tender age of seven, he started his artistic journey at a private school, where he first delved into drawing. By 14, he was enrolled at the prestigious La Lonja School of Fine Arts, refining his craft under the tutelage of Modest Urgel. Concurrently, Joan pursued accounting, balancing numbers with brush strokes.
Sadly, ill health besieged the budding artist, compelling him to retreat to his parent’s farm for recuperation. Nevertheless, in 1912, he rejoined the world of art, enrolling at Francisco Gali’s private school. Here, he penned his first masterpieces. After completing his training, Joan embarked on a short stint with the army, followed by the inauguration of his first-ever exhibition in 1917.
1920 marked a pivotal year for Joan. A trip to Paris brought him face-to-face with legendary figures like Picasso. This year also saw literary giant Ernest Hemingway acquiring Miró’s artwork titled “The Farm”. Later, in 1928, he traveled to the Netherlands, creating the iconic series “Dutch Interiors”. Around this time, Joan tied the knot with Pilar Iglesias, a Mallorca native.
The dark cloud of World War II loomed large as Joan, by 1933, sought refuge on his parents’ farm to escape the Nazi threat. He subsequently relocated to Paris in 1937, where, from a humble hotel room, he produced significant artworks such as “Help Spain” and “Still life with an old shoe”, vehemently opposing fascism. Post-war, Joan left an indelible mark on landmarks like Harvard University, Paris UNESCO, and the Hilton Hotel terrace.
The Joan Miró Foundation stands tall in Barcelona, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to art. His masterpieces grace his museum and numerous European cultural hubs. Art aficionados can also procure his works from the renowned Rios Art Gallery online.
