Picasso and Friends: TMoCA Unveils Treasures from Its Collection

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) has once again opened its vault of artistic treasures, this time bringing the genius of Pablo Picasso into the spotlight alongside works from his contemporaries and Iranian masters who drew inspiration from his revolutionary approach.

For art enthusiasts in Tehran, the opportunity to witness over 60 Picasso works in a single exhibition is nothing short of extraordinary. The carefully curated collection features a series of 12 aquatints from Picasso’s ‘La Tauromaquia’ (‘The Art of Bullfighting’), as well as iconic pieces like ‘The Painter and His Model,’ ‘Open Window on the Rue de Penthièvre,’ ‘Baboon and Young,’ and several interpretations of his famous ‘Weeping Woman.’

What makes this exhibition particularly special is its context. Museum curator Reza Dabirinejad explains, “We deliberately chose works from artists who were Picasso’s contemporaries, such as Braque, Delaunay, Léger, Kupka, and Miró, to put his artistic journey into context. By doing so, we give visitors a clearer picture of the artistic and social movements that unfolded around him.”

The exhibition doesn’t just celebrate Western modernism—it creates a fascinating dialogue between Picasso’s work and pieces by renowned Iranian artists including Bahram Dabiri, Bahman Mohasses, Jalil Ziapour, Mohsen Vaziri-Moghaddam, Mohammad Ali Shiva (Kako), Garnik Der Hacopian, Hannibal Alkhas, and Parvaneh Etemadi.

“Some of these artists’ works bear striking resemblances to Picasso’s different periods, demonstrating the extent of his influence,” notes Dabirinejad. This thoughtful juxtaposition allows visitors to trace the flow of artistic ideas across cultural boundaries.

Education Through Exhibition

TMoCA’s approach reflects a commitment to education and cultural preservation. Following the success of last year’s ‘Eye to Eye’ exhibition—which attracted over 2,000 visitors over three months—the museum continues its mission of making art accessible to new generations.

“Given the passage of time and generational shifts, these exhibitions provide an essential touchpoint for reintroducing and reinterpreting historical works,” Dabirinejad explains. “Museums are not just about preservation; they also play a crucial role in fostering an educational experience, helping audiences engage with and better grasp the significance of art movements both nationally and internationally.”

Museum Diplomacy: Art as a Universal Language

“Museums don’t operate in a vacuum; they respond to the times,” Dabirinejad emphasizes. “Selecting Picasso for this exhibition was a deliberate decision—a form of ‘museum diplomacy’ aimed at fostering cultural exchange. By exhibiting Picasso’s works, TMoCA extends an invitation to the world, signaling that art remains a universal language for peace and understanding.”

Many of Picasso’s most famous works, such as ‘Guernica,’ ‘Weeping Woman,’ and ‘Dove of Peace,’ were profoundly influenced by war, conflict, and human suffering. “These pieces remind us of the hardship and turmoil that past generations endured. Unfortunately, similar tensions persist today, as world leaders and political forces continue to stir up instability. Through this exhibition, we are sending a subtle but firm reminder of the value of peace. This isn’t just about showcasing artwork—it’s about reigniting an essential humanitarian message.”

One of the exhibition’s most remarkable aspects is its unprecedented scope. “Although some of his pieces have been displayed individually over the years, never before has such a vast collection of his works been exhibited together in Iran,” Dabirinejad notes with pride.

After careful consideration, curators decided to showcase a diverse range of Picasso’s works, including sculptures, oil paintings, artist books, and an extensive selection of prints. “Picasso was a master of utilizing every available medium—at a time when artists lacked today’s digital tools, he turned to printmaking, handcrafted editions, and multiple reproductions to ensure his work reached a wider audience,” Dabirinejad explains.

One highlight is a set of four artist books, three of which are being unveiled for the first time. Among them is ‘La Tauromaquia,’ featuring 26 intricately designed images that reflect Picasso’s Spanish heritage and the country’s deep-rooted bullfighting culture.

“Most people immediately associate Picasso with Cubism, but this showcase demonstrates the incredible breadth of his artistic experiments over different periods. It offers visitors a chance to see him in a new light—as an artist who never stopped pushing boundaries.”

A Layered Narrative Experience

The exhibition offers a narrative-driven experience that goes beyond simply displaying artwork. Every piece has been contextualized to help visitors understand not only Picasso’s techniques but also the social and historical circumstances that shaped his creative vision.

“With the help of scientific advisors, we aimed to bolster the exhibition’s research dimension,” Dabirinejad explains. The preparation involved meticulous identification, research, documentation, and preservation efforts to ensure each artwork appears in optimal condition.

The Crown Jewel: “The Painter and His Model”

The undisputed highlight of the exhibition is “The Painter and His Model,” a signature Picasso masterpiece making its public debut in Iran. It’s part of an impressive showcase of 66 Picasso works from the museum’s collection—nearly everything TMoCA owns by the artist.

Running until May 21, the exhibition is expected to draw large crowds, especially during the Nowruz holiday. “We believe that with the enthusiasm of artists, critics, and the media, this exhibition will be a gateway to showcasing Iran’s rich cultural and artistic heritage on a global scale. Judging by the buzz already surrounding it, a tremendous response is on the horizon.”

Visit the exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art before May 21. Check the museum’s website for opening hours and additional programming.