The Brooklyn Museum invited the Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby to help organize a show on Picasso’s troubling life and artistic lens. The reaction was strong.
Gadsby, who rose to fame with her Netflix special Nanette, in which she criticized Picasso for his misogyny and abuse of women, was asked to co-curate an exhibition called Picasso and the Women He Loved. The show features paintings, drawings and sculptures by the Spanish artist, as well as works by some of his female contemporaries and lovers, such as Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot and Marie-Thérèse Walter.
The exhibition aims to challenge the conventional narrative of Picasso as a genius who transcended his personal flaws, and to highlight the contributions and perspectives of the women he exploited. Gadsby also recorded an audio guide for the show, in which she offers her witty and scathing commentary on Picasso’s works and life.
However, not everyone was pleased with Gadsby’s involvement in the show. Some critics accused her of being unqualified, biased and disrespectful to Picasso’s legacy. Others defended her right to express her opinion and praised her for bringing a fresh and feminist voice to the museum.
The show also sparked a debate on social media, where some users applauded Gadsby for exposing Picasso’s problematic behavior, while others dismissed her as a comedian who should stick to jokes. Some also questioned the museum’s decision to collaborate with a celebrity rather than a professional curator or art historian.
The Brooklyn Museum defended its choice of Gadsby as a co-curator, saying that she brought a unique perspective and a sense of humor to the exhibition. The museum also said that the show was meant to ignite debate and conversation about Picasso’s complex legacy and the role of women in art history.
The exhibition runs until March 6, 2023 at the Brooklyn Museum. It is part of a series of shows that explore Picasso’s influence on modern art and culture.
