Ramon Casas. Modernity Desired. CaixaForum Madrid

The celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ramon Casas (1866-1932) provides a magnificent opportunity to rediscover the work of a painter whose work reflects the birth of a new era, one in which modernity came knocking on the doors of history.

Through his attitude, at times bohemian, at times irreverent and ironic, Casas positioned himself decisively within a movement that emerged during the closing decades of the nineteenth century. This is illustrated by his use of such inventions as the bicycle and the motorcar, which embodied his optimism regarding the technological possibilities offered by the myth of progress. Halfway between desire and reality, then, Casas' work was open to a vast range of influences: poster art, photography, Japanese prints and so on.

The exhibition, first presented in Sitges and now opening at CaixaForum Madrid, features 145 works by both by Casas himself and a number of his contemporaries. Organised by ”la Caixa” Foundation in coordination with the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Museums of Sitges, the show was produced with support from the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona Provincial Council and Sitges City Council.

Ramon Casas. Modernity Desired, from 8 March to 11 June 2017 at CaixaForum Madrid

More information in the PDF press release