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A Hayward Gallery Touring Exhibition from Southbank Centre, London

Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry

  • The Base
  • Base Pass Holder £0* (pre-booking for Base Pass Holders not required)  / 
  • Full Price £8.25  / 
  • Concessions £7.25  / 
  • Groups of 10+ £6.50  / 
  • Students £5 (including booking fees)  / 
  • Under-12s Free
The abstract artwork features a bright orange background with bold black, white, green, and blue shapes, swirling lines, and dynamic brushstrokes, creating a playful and surreal composition.

Enjoy the works of one of the 20th century's most influential and recognisable artists at The Base.

Joan Miró’s highly individual style placed him at the forefront of Surrealism and Dadaism. Primarily known as a painter and sculptor, he was also a celebrated and dynamic printmaker. This exhibition brings together the series of lithographs Miró created in response to the writings of the celebrated French surrealist poet Robert Desnos. The artwork features abstract elements in dazzling colours and unique symbolic narratives.

red abstract Joan Miro artwork on dark wall
three people in a gallery space point at a wall of abstract Joan Miro artworks
white abstract Joan Miro artwork on dark wall
a table of family activities and crafts, a pencil pot and clipboard

Artist Biography

Joan Miró (b. 20 April 1893) was a Catalan Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramist. Earning international acclaim, he combined abstract art with surrealist fantasy. As he developed his own personal style, his works also veered into Dadaism, Fauvism and Expressionism.

Miró painted 'dream pictures' and 'imaginary landscapes' in which the shapes and patches of color look almost as though they were set down randomly. His colourful and childlike creations strongly relate to his interest in the unconscious or the subconscious mind. These 'difficult-to-classify' works also had a manifestation of Catalan pride.

Look At More Content Here

Watch Miró paint, learn more about his wider projects, watch lithography process videos, or listen to the music that inspired him! You can also find a selection of family-friendly content and art activities.

Click here to view The Base's linktree

Take a sneak peek below of the Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry visual story to help you prepare for your visit if you would find that helpful.

Joan Miro Visual Story Word Doc

WORD 5.81MB

Download

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm

Location: The Base Gallery

Songs & Stories in the Gallery: Thu 17 & Sat 19 Apr, 9.30am

Family Day: Tue 8 Apr

Relaxed Day: Thu 24 Apr (Click here to find out about our Relaxed days)

Poetry Open Mic Night: Thu 24 Apr, 6.30pm

*Purchase a Base Pass and enjoy unlimited gallery access for 12 months from £25. You can even gift a Base Pass to your friends and family - the perfect gift for the culture vulture in your life! Please note: Base Pass holders are not required to pre-book for this exhibition.

Main Image Credit: Joan Miró, Untitled, 1974 © Successió Miró / ADAGP, Paris and DACS London 2025

© Successió Miró / ADAGP, Paris and DACS London 2025

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