Imagine Picasso, the largest-of-its-kind immersive, multimedia experience invites you to step into the world of Picasso in a way that has never been done before – bringing more than 200 works together in one place at one time. Making its U.S. premiere on February 9, this unique experience will activate the iconic Skylight at The Armory at 1800 Mission Street, where San Francisco locals and visitors alike, from fine art aficionados or those experiencing Picasso for the first time, will embark on a journey through the revolutionary career of modern art master, Pablo Picasso.
Using the groundbreaking, multi-projection techniques of Image Totale©, San Francisco’s Imagine Picasso show will fill the spacious Skylight at The Armory’s 40,000-square-foot venue and vaulted 80-foot ceilings with hundreds of Picasso masterpieces projected onto origami structures – inspired by Picasso’s late work – standing as tall as 26 feet. Guests will enjoy a multi-phased, fully-immersive experience that offers a unique look into Picasso’s revolutionary career and its impact – from the Bleu and Rose periods to his masterpieces in the cubism and surrealism movements – with educational moments, thoughtful scenography, and tasteful music pairings that bring pieces to life.
Conceptualized by Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, pioneers of immersive, multi-projection experiences around the world, Imagine Picasso was created to offer a new and modern perspective on Picasso’s unparalleled work. With more than 200 Picasso works – many of which hail from private collections and prestigious museum collections around the world – together in one place at one time, this immersive experience provides unmatched access and unprecedented access to his decades-long career.
“We created this exhibition so guests can step into Picasso’s paintings through a dialogue of detail and depth,” said Annabelle Mauger, Creator of Imagine Picasso and the original creator of the first immersive Van Gogh exhibition. “It’s important that people of all ages, backgrounds and artistic knowledge have the same opportunity to experience his works. Immersive exhibitions open the door for younger generations to celebrate his work, allowing Picasso’s legacy and influence on the arts to live on.”
“It’s very interesting for the visitors to get Pablo Picasso in a new way,” said Olivier Widmaier Picasso, grandson of Pablo Picasso. “I think this exhibition would have pleased my grandfather a lot because he was, above all, a man of freedom.”
Building on the success of the original Imagine Picasso exhibitions, the San Francisco iteration will include a new introductory experience developed by the award-winning experience design studio, Local Projects. Entitled “The Presence of Genius,” the experience sums up Picasso as a singular individual whose genius emanated from his studio and changed the world. Visitors walk through animated historic images and quotes that celebrate his impact, journeying towards an intimate visitation with Picasso in his studio.
“Picasso’s artistry reached far beyond the works of art themselves, but are rooted in his incredible artistic expressions,” said Jake Barton, Creative Director and Founder of Local Projects. “We wanted visitors to directly experience the dynamism of his lived presence, and deepen their understanding of the diverse chapters of Picasso’s storied career. Amongst a century of revolutions, he was a revolutionary, impacting artist, art-lovers, and the world itself.”
In addition to Mauger and Barton, the creative team behind Imagine Picasso includes work from renowned Architect Rudy Ricciotti and Curator and Art Historian Androula Michael. The exhibition is produced by France-based Encore Productions, a Fimalac Entertainment Group Company, and produced and promoted by S2BN Entertainment. It is presented in San Francisco by Madeira and Partners.
The exhibition launches on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, and will run for a limited time through March 27, 2022. Tickets start at $39.99 for adults. Children five and under are free. Discounts apply for educational and large groups.
Imagine Picasso will adhere to all CDC and city COVID-19 protocols throughout the duration of the exhibition while operating at a reduced capacity. Proof of vaccination is required for entry and masks are mandatory at all times for visitors ages two and older. Due to the design and expansive nature of Imagine Picasso, guests can safely experience and freely explore the multimedia art exhibition while maintaining a physical distance.
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