HOW TO SEE | Joan Miró

As an artist obsessed with vision and “the eye of the picture that looks at us,” Joan Miró is a perfect subject for our series "How to See." Here, on the occasion of the exhibition "Joan Miró: Birth of the World," curator Anne Umland and the artist’s grandson, Joan Punyet Miró, examine the ways in which Miro worked to achieve a heightened state of awareness in which to paint. Hear about the monsters of the subconscious, the way that history guides the moral imperatives of his art, and why he loved New York City.
Joan Miró : Birth of the World, organized by Anne Umland, The Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Senior Curator, with Laura Braverman, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Painting and Sculpture, is on view through June 15. mo.ma/joanmiro
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
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[@petermopar]

It's sweet to see a grandson understand his grandfather's work so well to evolve a discourse about it.

[@fifealganaraz7466]

It sounds only comercial to me...

[@nadmanganianman]

@@fifealganaraz7466 Agreed, in fact it seem to be a bunch of basic observations, how would he know what his grandfather meant to express in his art. This woman know grandson is full of it

[@bremlquan]

@@fifealganaraz7466 "yes, yes, yes, yes, yes"

[@PetaloudesTouYialou]

When I was a child I would stare for ages at the Miro works in this one art book we had. There was a language I could understand, and sometimes I think I’ve lost it, but looking at his works makes me remember the wonder with which I used to gaze upon the world. This is a gift a great artist gives us. Communication with a lost part of ourselves. ♥️

[@joecritch]

This video made me realise more than ever before how much we see through the filter of language. We cannot see the object without having a word to describe it somewhere and in a sense it ceases to exist for us.

[@mountain85]

"We are all works in progress until it ends" she decribed his work and our existence pretty well...

[@nlbhaduri]

I laughed at Miro until I had to reproduce one of his paintings and discovered the hypnotic rhythms of even the most simple lines. I stand in awe of him now.

[@erldagerl9826]

His work is still so fresh, it’s amazing to think many of these pieces are over 100 years old.

[@astra7015]

I remember the 1 st time i saw a poster of one his abstract painting when i was a teen , such a flash , the bright but deep blue with a screaming red and some black lines to balance the colours. It was in the South of France , i felt so alive back then. I Love nature deeply as well and my motto has been the feet in water and the Head in the stars . Thank You Miro , i feel at home with your creations

[@timnunayabznss8710]

so great to see something of this quality be this accessible

[@mrCetus]

When I was a child I would stare for ages at the Miro works in this one art book we had. There was a language I could understand, and sometimes I think I’ve lost it, but looking at his works makes me remember the wonder with which I used to gaze upon the world. This is a gift a great artist gives us. Communication with a lost part of ourselves. ️

[@kelvynification]

She has such a wonderful energy and humor. Love her:)

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

I try to create worlds for the viewer to interpret and it is artists like Miro that showed me, this is the true purpose of art. He is truly fascinating in every way.

[@1Clearwords]

He was a visionary who had such a huge talent that he could translate his dreams and hopes into art. I'm in awe of his talent.

[@bicyclist2]

I used to have a Miro tie when I was a teenager. It was my favorite tie. I got it at the local Art Museum in Traverse City Michigan. I always thought Miro was so very different than anything else. He had a very unique view. Thank you.

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

Feeling grounded in something stronger than me has always been key in my life. When I felt uprooted, nothing got done.

[@valuchinn]

Amo a Miró desde que era una niña! Su pintura siempre me pareció fascinante, llena de misterios y significados ocultos, y a su vez tan bella y simple y natural, como un universo alternativo.

[@aybigetek]

Why this video got me so emotional? Such intimacy. What a man Miro! grandson and she rocks too! Thank you..

[@maxstrauss4581]

Thank you for this. This is done so well and I love these two. And Miró of course.

[@Helen3691]

Thank you! Miro is one of my favorite artists.

[@franzgrabe1]

what a gift to the world!! Thanks for the effort and video!!

[@cynthiacupler8005]

I just love his art work, really great.

[@LG-dj9qr]

What a lovely conversation between curator and loving grandson.

[@JudyReyWasserman]

Thank you for making and sharing this video! As a young teen wandering through MoMA, I first “discovered “ Miro’s works, which visually spoke to me in a new way.

[@franka1310]

I LOVE how passionate you speak about Miros works of art! It really allows the viewer to open up to it and feel passionate about it as well

[@FRNKNSTNmusic]

Every comment the curator makes is a gem. It's amazing.

[@jamesdecross1035]

6:12 commentary reminds me of the film 'Amelie' where the technique of reminiscing to news-reels was used again.

[@theeaselrider4032]

I couldn't give that enough thumbs up. I wish i could have seen it in person. I've admired, and at times poorly emulated Miro's work. I like the fact that you can see such a progression from where he started to when he finished. I would have also liked to have seen the whole tour with his grandson.

[@SueMead]

Anne Umland is so joyful, so open and excited by the subject but also enamored by the artworks and the conversation with the grandson. She makes me want to know more. A child like acceptance of any thought regarding Miró. I love it.

[@GamesSatisfy]

This artist was in communication with the unknown. I recommend any artist to find ways to communicate with “it”. Try recording your dreams, detecting patterns where there are none, visualizing and day dreaming. Everything you can do to contact your own subconscious. Then, art will fly from your finger tips. Be careful though, too deep and you’ll never come back.

[@irmalybrackin4048]

Wonderful description of this visionary

[@aimehetharie251]

Always in love with Miró his works. First time i seen one in real i could have cried

[@agatarek_official]

Omg! Love their passion and enthusiasm 😍

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you for making this!

[@patw.6567]

i like that the grandson of miro speaks on the art but he wasn't ever in his shoes except by blood

[@troygaspard6732]

My favorite Catalan painter.

[@harrisonthompsonabdullah4877]

Another great artworks by most imaginative creative artist,, for the laymen to understand the concept and meanings requires you to understand the artist characters & his artistic minds... I love all the works displayed in this video..

[@common_myrtle]

I knew only Joan Miró's geometric paintings. Watching this video, I wanted to know more about Joan Miró. Inspired by Joan Miró's imagination, I think collage production will be even more fun from now on. Thank you very much.

[@Katinukou]

maybe someone knows where I can find full videos of Joan Mirro? without modern stuff. His thoughts are so brilliant!

[@cactuslog]

Thank you for this brief glimpse into the master. I have had many dreams for 40 years that involve Miro. In one, I visited him at his studio/estate, and as I went into his home, his artwork was tastefully displayed along the otherwise sparse walls. He was a very friendly and accommodating man in my dream. And quite encouraging. Even though I never met or knew him consciously, I have often felt his presence. I have one of his lithographs from the sixties--all I can afford, and I enjoy looking at it every day.

[@elanaphi]

Thank you!💟

[@Doppe1ganger]

At first i thought this grandson would just talk nonsense, but he has such a profound understanding of the magic of Miro.

[@MR-fl1nm]

Qué maravilla, gracias por publicar este vídeo.

[@rafaelalvarado4735]

I agree it is very engaging voice and awesome background music. Well done!

[@glebbaranov7801]

that's amazing! thank you for content!

[@ElJubranco]

ive been looking for this for awhile

[@irenemacias7423]

Loved this , thank you 🙏🏻♥️💗💗💗😊👍‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@Enr227]

Good interpretations of what makes a Miro a Miro

[@alisarudzite1499]

It is the best thing i have seen so far.

[@antonioduverge3558]

It is so powerful to see a relative of that "artist" defending so passioned a bunch of crap, trying to justify the garbage is beautiful, but not even him can buys that, fantastic!!

[@WatchesandGolf]

Probably my favourite

[@alex_davis_11]

Un artista, una llegenda. Per sempre, un dels millors 💙

[@icc1091]

j'obsessed!

[@harperellenburg]

this is kind of relaxing.

[@palaktolani6895]

Ohh My!! You guys keep up the good work

[@romikim4548]

Thank you for this.

[@krishnarajendra1522]

Great thanks.to the team

[@DucDeLamballe]

what is the pin/brooch they're both wearing?

[@andream.313]

Amazing fondacion mirò in barca

[@catclark9488]

I don't understand how somebody who is not the artist can presume what the artist was thinking when he created the piece of art. Unless he had very in depth conversations with his grandfather about where his head was and what he was experiencing when he produced the artwork, but really, did or would that happen? I wonder if Joan Miro was rolling in his grave saying 'NO that's not what I felt/ saw/meant at the time at all!' Artwork which I have done comes from somewhere that is impossible to describe to others.

[@Albert13tv]

great video!

[@chaseaflu9722]

Final spoken bit is where it’s at. And, once it ends... finished works of art?

[@juliagrowsinportland]

The curator is so charming! I think I would really enjoy spending the afternoon with her.

[@glebbaranov7801]

I couldn t find the beautiful music which playing in the end even through Shazam. Does anybody know this track?

[@zjkingsley7]

The real triumph in this video is Miro's Grandson's ability to pull off that suit, scarf, and hat.

[@imadbenomar1950]

I like the excitement of the video

[@robsanders5808]

Very nice!

[@arconode]

Anne Umland is a delight!

[@jhoan_roa]

Joan Miro and Jhoan Roa are my favorite artists

[@BebehCookieIcecream]

Anne is such a wonderful, colourful spirit. She is a great example of how new generations become inspired by art. She is an archetype the world bleeds for, more and more as we stray away from the human spirit. Art doesn't build bridges, or solve equations, but I believe it's just as culpable for our species's continuing existence.

[@pmishiku5095]

ayoooooo where they get the clips of Miro interview from???

[@petermero1521]

Master ❤️

[@tomasabadi5374]

It sounds like Miro would've really enjoyed an acid trip or a bit of a dmt rip

[@christianegonbarnthaler1426]

super art

[@AngelaJsaca]

Amazing over 10” years old ❤

[@leasebbaha5378]

L'âme d'un enfant dans le corps d'un homme superbe oeuvre

[@strictlyyoutube6881]

inspiring

[@LeonorFiniCat]

Loooove Miró

[@brianhuetteman4926]

Anyone know what film the intercut video is from?

[@AnonymeExtra]

Superbe reportage !

[@newmsartstop]

1:05 - 2:15 what’s the music used?

[@lauramillard832]

One surely must end up at Miro or Mondrian on the journey through art.

[@frankj.2426]

Cool vid, bro.

[@curvcaten888]

4:16 holy shit I literally guessed that

[@verde.lima__]

Quin personatge aquest de'n Punyet, tela!

[@drumsticksusa]

What's the address of that moonbird sidewalk sculpture in NYC?

[@Sams-Original-Art]

What a g!

[@smellyrhinostudio]

Love.

[@express375]

makes perfect sense :)

[@sravanilalighoshjana8992]

Rediscovering Miró is always great and Anne aptly extended that feeling in the right track👍

[@randomuser605]

What’s the background music in this?

[@hoosomio]

Gran artista español

[@criminalmind27]

"He was so happy in NY city, he always wanted to come back" saying this while walking past a homeless man

[@tristans_]

There’s homeless people everywhere.

[@GaryR55]

As millions of New Yorkers do every day.

[@rawjoice3897]

because everything was thrown in.....plus all the possibilities and metamorphosis and change

[@U444cka]

Hilma Af Klint definitely helped inspire all abstract work and thought. So thankful for her vision that allowed others to expand deeper into new realms and dimensions.

[@GrandPrizeFitnesAJAY]

She's so dope to me. Is she still with the museum?

[@Farhan-un8ez]

what a great video

[@KOZYSTORM]

Does anybody know the songs playing in the background ?

[@elizabethhurtado2829]

The earth speaks, the plants breathe and the sky cries a million tears for the children.

[@jamesdecross1035]

2:25 I think Desmond Morris was painting similar things. He must have been influenced by Miró.

[@ib.2995]

💛

[@Wuaiabwjs]

does anyone no where the clips are from i'm talking 6:50 and 1:21 where do i find them

[@darylcumming7119]

RIP. Joan Miro.