True to its reputation as one of the southern Europe’s top art destinations, yet again Malaga has some amazing autumn art on the agenda. On the scene in the city this autumn are Spanish artists captivated by Northern Africa, American sculptor Alexander Calder who rubs shoulders with Picasso, the Russian master of symbolism and other seriously talented artists. Whether sketches, watercolours, installations or sculptures are your thing, be prepared for some amazing art in Malaga this autumn.
Calder – Picasso
One of the best exhibitions in Malaga this autumn is at the Picasso Museum where the new temporary exhibition compares American Alexander Calder with his contemporary artist, Picasso. The ambitious exhibitions compares the creative links between the two artists who both focused on the absence of space. Calder’s obsession with “zero space” meant he looked outside at the “immense grandeur” of the universe while Picasso was more introspective. Expect plenty of mobiles (Calder’s thing), sculptures and of course, stunning art.
24 September – 2 February 2020. Daily 10am-7pm (6pm from Nov-Feb). €6.50 (€12 combined permanent and temporary exhibition). Free entry on Sundays after 5pm (after 4pm Nov-Feb).
Arabian Fantasy
The Carmen Thyssen Museum continues to offer exceptional art in Malaga. This autumn’s temporary exhibition welcomes Arabian Fantasy featuring paintings by Spanish artists between 1860 and 1900. The central theme is North Africa and all 70 works depict the people, customs and landscapes found by the artists in the second half of the 19th century. And as usual, don’t miss the great themed gifts in the museum shop.
12 October – 1 February Tues-Sun 10am-8pm. €10 combo ticket for permanent and temporary exhibition. Reduced rate of €6 if you visit between 2.30 and 4pm. Free entry on Sundays from 5pm onwards.
Both the Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum have lovely cafés serving coffee, light snacks and lunch.
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Russian masters
The Russian Museum welcomes two new exhibitions this autumn, both well worth seeing:
In Search of Shambhala
70 works by the master of Russian symbolism, Nikolai Roerich, come to Malaga this autumn. One of the most prominent artists in Russia during the first half of the 20th century, Roerich was also an archaeologist and promoter of culture and peace. He journeyed to the East for five years between 1923 and 1928 and Tibet and the Himalayas (see the above photo) make up one of the main topics for his paintings.
Anna Ajmátova
Russian poet Anna Ajmátova takes central stage at the other of the temporary exhibitions and continues the Russian Museum’s theme of women this year. The collection showcases portraits of Ajmátova and the men in her life alongside her poetry and books.
27 September – 1 March 2020. Tues-Sun 9.30am-8pm. Entry to the temporary exhibitions costs €4, a combined ticket €8. Free entry on Sundays after 5pm.
DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN MALAGA
CAC Malaga
This innovative stage for contemporary art in Malaga reopens on 15 October with Eleuthera by the Irish artist Sean Scully. The exhibition features his latest series and showcases 40 works in total including large-format paintings, photos and drawings. Twice runner-up for the Turner Prize and considered one of the world’s best contemporary artists, Scully looks at freedom of expression through everyday objects. He also takes a look at being a father through portraits of his son Oisín. Expect plenty of colour and geometric shapes.
15 October – 19 February 2020. Tues-Sun 10am to 8pm. Free entry.
