Picasso in Asia: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue in a Shifting Landscape at M+ in Hong Kong

Few artists have shaped the trajectory of modern art as profoundly as Pablo Picasso. His influence, both radical and ubiquitous, transcended Europe to permeate global artistic discourses. Now, at a moment of profound transformation in Hong Kong, M+ presents “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation,” an exhibition that not only showcases the breadth of Picasso’s artistic genius but also repositions his legacy within an Asian context. 

“More than a celebration of Picasso, this exhibition affirms the city’s status as a bridge between East and West,”

In a city that has witnessed immense political and social upheaval, this exhibition arrives as a beacon of dialogue, education, and exchange. Since the onset of COVID-19 and the political shifts that followed, Hong Kong’s role as a cultural and intellectual hub has been questioned, even challenged. Yet, the success of “Picasso for Asia” underscores the resilience of Hong Kong’s artistic institutions and their capacity to foster meaningful global conversations. More than a celebration of Picasso, this exhibition affirms the city’s status as a bridge between East and West—a role it has historically played but now must actively reclaim.  

Picasso in Four Themes

In his lifetime, Picasso was as much a cultural force as he was an artistic innovator. His genius was defined not only by his technical mastery but by his relentless reimagining of artistic conventions. The exhibition at M+ recognizes this, structuring its presentation around four archetypes: “The Genius,” “The Outsider,” “The Magician,” and “The Apprentice,” These conceptual categories serve as lenses through which both Picasso and the Asian artists on display can be understood.  

Take, for instance, “The Outsider”—a role that Picasso embodied in his rebellious rejection of academic traditions and his deep engagement with non-Western artistic forms, particularly African masks. But what does this notion of “outsider” mean when applied to artists working in a postcolonial, globalized Asia? Through juxtaposition, the exhibition reveals how contemporary Asian artists navigate their own tensions between tradition and modernity, center and periphery, influence and independence.  

The dialogue is particularly striking in works that directly engage with Picasso’s oeuvre. The presence of works by Isamu Noguchi, Luis Chan, Nalini Malani, and others allows viewers to reconsider how artistic exchange operates across geographies and histories. Is it influence, appropriation, or reinvention? The exhibition resists easy answers, instead opening up a space where these questions can be examined critically.  

Solidifying M+ as a Force in International Museums

The staging of “Picasso for Asia” at M+ is as significant as the exhibition itself. Hong Kong, a city historically defined by its cosmopolitanism, has undergone a period of introspection since the sociopolitical shifts of 2019 and the global isolation of the pandemic years. M+, which opened in 2021 in the West Kowloon Cultural District, has had to define its role in a changing city.  

“Hong Kong remains a place where complex, globally relevant artistic discussions can take place,”

In this setting, the exhibition’s success is not just an artistic achievement but a political statement. It signals that Hong Kong remains a place where complex, globally relevant artistic discussions can take place. Supported by institutions such as the Musée National Picasso-Paris and the French May Arts Festival, “Picasso for Asia”is also a reminder that cultural diplomacy still holds power—an echo of the historical exchanges that once defined the city’s identity.  

Continuing the Conversation between East and West

If “Picasso for Asia” is a conversation, it is one that should continue beyond the exhibition halls of M+. This model of cross-cultural and intergenerational exchange offers a roadmap for future exhibitions, not only in Hong Kong but across Asia. Picasso’s artistic legacy is global, but its meanings shift depending on context. What does Picasso signify in a city like Hong Kong, where the question of identity—both political and artistic—is more pressing than ever?  

By presenting Picasso in dialogue with contemporary Asian artists, M+ refuses to situate him as an unchallenged master. Instead, it encourages critical engagement, pushing audiences to consider how art travels, how influence operates, and how historical narratives can be rewritten. In doing so, it ensures that the conversation around Picasso remains alive, evolving, and deeply relevant.  

In these times of rapid change, “Picasso for Asia” is not just a celebration of a 20th-century icon. It is a testament to the power of art to bridge divides, spark discourse, and reaffirm the role of culture in shaping the intellectual fabric of our societies. In this regard, Hong Kong has once again placed itself at the forefront of global artistic exchange—proof that even in uncertain times, art endures, provokes, and inspires.