12 original graphics by Pablo Picasso are shown for the first time in Hungary in the Szatmári Museum in Mátészalka. The real curiosity is presented by the Loonis Gallery of New York and the Koncz Arts Gallery of Debrecen.

These Picasso graphics were shown in June in Shanghai. Reprint graphics made during the period of 1946-1968 are in the centre of the display, but original pen drawings, lithographs and lino cuts are also shown. All artworks come with a certificate that proves that that is the original piece. The certificates were issued by the National Art Build signed by George Kopel. There are colour and black and white lithographs from 1952, 1954 and a few of the first prints (1954 Illustration V., 1964 Portrait - colour lithographs; 1964 Femme couchée - lino cut.

Pablo Picasso was just as an excellent graphic artist as painter. In his reprint graphics, ha applied line-representations but often intended to produce painting effects. This habit can also be traced in his colour stone prints and lino cuts. These pages illustrate Picasso's style and interest well. A woman experiencing her own metamorphosis often appears on Picasso's pages, as well as the couple of the clown and girl and the grotesque representation of the relation of woman and man. Beside the typical distortions focusing on character, the nude female body arise into an allegoric composition. Beside the forms suggesting classic, the absurd environment brings along an intensive tension. Denudation, consignment is on the same page with hiding. Musical associations arise from not only the topics but also from composition.

The fact that there is not many opportunity to see these artworks at auctions makes the occasion ever more unique.

Judit Farkas, museum educator