CaixaForum Madrid discovers how the human being portrays itself across different eras and cultures

The Human Image: Art, Identities and Symbolism exhibition explores the representation of the human being throughout the history of art, across different cultures and eras up to the present day, in the framework of a new collaboration with the British Museum. The display also includes a selection of works from the ”la Caixa” Contemporary Art Collection.

Organised by the British Museum and ”la Caixa” Foundation, the exhibition is a stimulating journey through one of the major subjects of figurative art throughout history: the human being.

Through 155 such markedly diverse and heterogeneous pieces as sculptures, paintings, films, drawings, numismatics, photographs, video installations and objects, the display brings the holdings of the British Museum and collection of the ”la Caixa” Foundation into dialogue for the very first time.

The exhibition juxtaposes iconic works of ancient civilisations with others of contemporary art, thus enabling transcultural comparisons to be made. Among the artists featured are names like Henri Matisse, David Hockney, Goya, Manet, Albrecht Dürer, Luis de Madrazo, Christopher Williams, Koya Abe, Vanessa Beecroft, David Oxtoby and Tom Wesselmann.

The attractive, fresh and accessible focus of The Human Image inspires reflection and comparison, and invites visitors to address such current topics as the ideal of beauty, divinity and power.

The Human Image: Art, Identities and Symbolism. Place: CaixaForum Madrid (Paseo del Prado, 36). Dates: From 28 April 2021 to 16 January 2022.