Joan Miro i Ferra (born April 20, 1893 – died December 25, 1983) was a 20th-century Spanish painter and sculptor who changed his artistic style several times and left the world with a rich artistic heritage. The paintings of Joan Miro are, without exaggeration, a whole world, huge and multifaceted. Abstract art and surrealism can be considered as the main directions of the author’s work. The artist’s paintings, many of which at first glance resemble children’s drawings, upon closer examination reveal many meanings. This allowed Miro to gain recognition around the world.

Joan Miro did not come to success immediately. So, the first exhibition of paintings, which he organized in 1917, failed. The artist did not despair – he continued his creative search. His perseverance, combined with remarkable talent, paid off.

Biography of Joan Miro

Joan Miro was born in Barcelona on April 20, 1893. The boy began his studies at a private school, to which he was enrolled in 1900. Drawing classes were held there, and it was during those years that Joan experienced a great interest in painting. He began to develop it and in 1907 he entered to study with Modest Urgel, who taught at the School of Art.

Joan Miro’s craving for creativity was stopped by the strict parents of the future artist. They were practical people and forced the son to forget about art. Having obeyed, the young man entered accounting courses. And at the age of 17 he got a job, devoid of even a hint of creativity.

The young man began working as an assistant accountant, and this monotonous work soon came into sharp conflict with Joan’s free nature. Nervous exhaustion naturally followed. The future famous artist fell ill with typhus, which took him a whole year to heal. Saddened by the illness of their son, his parents realized their mistake. After the typhus receded, they never imposed their will on Joan again and allowed him to freely pursue art.

Education

In 1912, Joan entered the art school founded by Francisco Gali. This year was marked by the creation of Miro’s first paintings. The creative development of the young man after graduating from school Gali was interrupted by military service. The master returned to art, became interested in Fauvism and painted a series of paintings in this style. In an effort to get new emotions and impressions, Joan Miro began to travel.

In 1920, he visited Paris, where a significant event took place – an acquaintance with Picasso. At this time, the artist abruptly changed course and began to create in the style of poetic realism. One of the paintings of those years, written by Joan – “Farm” – for 5000 francs was bought by Ernest Hemingway (Ernest Miller Hemingway). This event can be considered the first success of the painter – both creative and material.

Creation

Miro continued to paint in the chosen direction and created several more paintings that became famous – in particular, “Self-Portrait”. This period, however, did not last long. The artist felt that he had reached a dead end, and decided to change course once again. In 1928, Joan visited Holland, where he painted a series of paintings “Dutch Interiors”. At this time, he began to develop an interest in abstractionism and surrealism.

Miró married Pilar Juncosa Iglesias in 1929. Shortly after the wedding, a daughter was born in the family. By this time, the artist has achieved great success, including material ones. He easily supported his family, which reassured his parents and finally reconciled them with the life choice of his son.

Hiding from the atrocities of fascism, in 1937 Joan Miro moved to Paris, where he continued to create. After the end of World War II, he received several serious commissions from well-known establishments – for example, in 1947 he painted the terrace of the Hilton Hotel and the walls of the Le Gourmet restaurant.

Joan Miró died at his home on December 25, 1983 and was buried at the Montjuic Cemetery in Barcelona. Studying the life path of the author, he can be recognized as one of the few creators who managed to successfully realize all the artistic ideas.