In an electrifying announcement, M+ is gearing up for its highly anticipated exhibition titled “Picasso for Asia: A Conversation”, which will run from March 15 to July 13, 2025. This major event will spotlight the incredible legacy of Pablo Picasso, featuring a staggering 60 works from the Musée national Picasso-Paris alongside approximately 80 pieces by Asian and Asian-diasporic artists from the M+ collections.

One of the standout installations in this exhibition is Lee's Guernica in Sand (2006–ongoing). This thought-provoking piece requires an astonishing six tons of sand and 860 hours to recreate Picasso's iconic masterpiece, Guernica. Audiences will have the unique opportunity to walk on the sand drawing, momentarily altering its form before it is painstakingly swept away to start anew. Lee has eloquently articulated his intention: "My goal was to draw attention to the creative power of transformation rather than to the pain caused by clinging to things as they are.” This sentiment beautifully aligns with the overarching theme of the exhibition, which examines transformation in art through both a historical and contemporary lens.

Cécile Debray, president of the Musée Picasso, emphasized the exhibition's unique approach: “Pablo Picasso may be the most famous artist in the history of Modern art, but offering a circular look at his art, examined through a contemporary Asian perspective, is an unprecedented proposal.” This exhibition will premiere just before Art Basel Hong Kong (March 28-30, 2025), where numerous galleries are set to feature related works, heightening the buzz surrounding Picasso’s influence in modern art.

The featured pieces at M+ span Picasso’s prolific career, starting with Portrait of a Man (1902-03) from his Blue Period—an evocative portrayal rich with emotional depth. Other important works include The Acrobat (1930) and Blind Minotaur Guided through a Starry Night (1934-35), showcasing his stylistic evolution. Picasso's tumultuous relationships also inform his artistry; Portrait of Dora Maar (1937) reflects the emotional complexity and direct impact of his muses on his work.

The exhibition serves as a vibrant platform for responding artists as well. Among them are the works of Isamu Noguchi, Wifredo Lam, and Keiichi Tanaami, each engaging with Picasso's themes and style in their unique manners. Tanaami’s playful Pleasure of Picasso–Mother and Child No. 118 (2020/21) stands out as a modern interpretation of Picasso’s influence, and further pieces from this series will also be showcased during Art Basel.

Local artist Luis Chan, known for his experimental techniques, has two significant works included: Cubist Sea Shore (1959) and Joy of Life (1969). Chan's artworks illustrate Picasso's legacy while retaining their distinct flair, showcasing his innovative methods of employing zinc plates to reveal fantastical forms through ink transfers.

Importantly, Picasso’s examination of societal issues resonates in his artwork as well. His evocative piece Massacre in Korea (1951), often deemed the “Guernica of the Cold War,” showcases the atrocities inflicted during the Sinchon Massacre. This specific piece, alongside Simon Fujiwara's contemporary response piece, Who vs Who vs Who? (A Picture of a Massacre) (2024), show how Picasso's legacy continues to spark relevant dialogues about conflict today.

These themes of transformation and legacy are not just confined to historical analysis; they resonate powerfully in today's cultural discourse. As the exhibition unfolds, key questions arise: Why does Picasso remain a towering figure in global art? What is the source of his continued influence, more than five decades posthumously? The M+ exhibition promises to dissect these queries, offering a multifaceted exploration of Picasso as both a historical figure and a lasting font of inspiration for new generations of artists.

The confluence of Picasso’s works and contemporary responses at M+ and Art Basel provide a remarkable opportunity to reevaluate the master’s enormity and relevance in our current artistic climate. Mark your calendars for this can't-miss exhibition that bridges the past with contemporary artistic dialogues!