The Galerie Parallax in Aix-en-Provence is presenting a provocative exhibition of Pablo Picasso's transgressive engravings through January 3, 2026, in a unique partnership with the departmental cultural space 21 bis on Cours Mirabeau. This collaboration allows art enthusiasts to experience two distinct facets of Picasso's graphic work simultaneously, with each venue offering a different curatorial perspective. The Parallax Gallery specifically focuses on the artist's more controversial and lesser-known prints that explore themes of sexuality and social taboo. These works provide a stark contrast to the more conventional Picasso exhibition at 21 bis, creating a comprehensive overview of the master's graphic output. Visitors can explore both exhibitions to gain a fuller understanding of Picasso's complex artistic vision and his relentless experimentation across mediums.
Clarisse Astier, who manages the 21 bis cultural space, made the deliberate decision to separate the erotic works from the main exhibition due to the venue's diverse audience, which includes many young visitors and families. She explained that displaying explicit content in a publicly funded cultural space receiving school groups would have been inappropriate and potentially controversial. This curatorial choice reflects growing sensitivity in French cultural institutions about age-appropriate content while still making important works accessible to adult audiences. The solution demonstrates how public and private galleries can collaborate effectively to present challenging material responsibly. Astier's pragmatic approach ensures that Picasso's complete graphic legacy remains available for scholarly study and public appreciation without creating conflict with community standards.
The Galerie Parallax entrusted the specialized exhibition to Florence Verrier, a gallery owner, photographer, and recognized photography specialist who brought her visual expertise to the project. Verrier embraced the provocative nature of the works, even installing a red lantern outside the gallery during the opening vernissage as a playful reference to the exhibition's themes. She jokingly refers to the space as a "Lupanar," the Latin term for brothel, which connects directly to several engravings depicting scenes from such establishments. This curatorial framing helps visitors understand the historical and social context of Picasso's transgressive imagery. Verrier's background in photography provides unique insight into Picasso's printmaking techniques and compositional strategies that bridge traditional and modern approaches.
Among the significant works on display is an etching showing Edgar Degas surrounded by prostitutes, demonstrating Picasso's engagement with art historical precedents and his willingness to confront social taboos head-on. The collection includes numerous nude studies and brothel scenes that reveal the artist's unflinching examination of human sexuality and desire. These engravings were created during various periods of Picasso's career, showing how his graphic style evolved while his fascination with primal themes remained constant. Several pieces contain allusions to the artist's personal relationships and his complex attitudes toward women. The technical mastery evident in these prints contradicts any notion that they were merely private sketches, revealing serious artistic investigation into line, form, and social commentary.
Picasso's transgressive graphic works have often been marginalized in major museum exhibitions, making this focused presentation particularly valuable for art historians and collectors. These engravings demonstrate how the artist used printmaking as a laboratory for experimental ideas that might have been too controversial for his paintings. The intimate scale of the works demands close viewing, creating a personal encounter between the artwork and the observer. This exhibition challenges the sanitized version of Picasso often presented in institutional settings, offering a more complete picture of his artistic ambitions. Scholars note that understanding these works is essential for any serious assessment of Picasso's contribution to modern art and his influence on subsequent generations of artists.
The collaborative project between Galerie Parallax and 21 bis serves as a model for how controversial art can be presented with both integrity and public responsibility. Visitors receive dual admission tickets that encourage exploration of both venues, with shuttle service provided between locations during weekend hours. The exhibition has already generated significant discussion in the French art press about censorship, artistic freedom, and curatorial ethics in the twenty-first century. Additional programming includes lectures by Picasso scholars and panel discussions on the challenges of exhibiting explicit content in public institutions. This innovative approach ensures that Picasso's challenging works remain accessible while respecting community standards and educational missions.
