The exhibition Picasso. Propaganda and Political Activism, located in the Temporary Exhibition Hall (Plaza de la Merced, 13), reveals how the Malaga-born artist used his prestige to mobilize public opinion in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy, a lesser-known facet of his biography and work.
Curated by Rafael Inglada and Carlos Ferrer, the exhibition revisits the traditional image of the painter to present him as a promoter of initiatives and an active participant in international campaigns. Works such as Guernica and the Dove of Peace are analyzed as universal symbols of resistance and hope.
Attendees at the presentation included Luis Lafuente, director of the Public Agency for the Management of the Birthplace of Pablo Ruiz Picasso; curators Rafael Inglada and Carlos Ferrer; Juan Carlos Barroso, territorial manager in Andalusia for the ”la Caixa” Foundation; and Jesús Cabrera, business area director for CaixaBank in Málaga.
The exhibition, in collaboration with the ”la Caixa” Foundation, features around 130 pieces, including paintings, drawings, prints, posters, illustrated books, magazines, and photographs, as well as documentary material such as press clippings.
The tour is organized into chronological and thematic sections, covering the Spanish Civil War, collaboration with the French Resistance, and commitment to the international peace movement, highlighting the Dove of Peace as a symbol of pacifism since 1949.
The exhibition underscores the connection of the Dove of Peace with Málaga, the artist's Birthplace, and the figure of his father, José Ruiz Blasco, establishing a link between biographical memory and the iconic symbol of the 20th century.
The exhibition is supported by the Reina Sofía Museum, Picasso Museum Málaga, the Joseluis Rupérez collection, the heirs of André Masson, the Arias family, and various national and local private collectors.
