Few places capture the spirit of art quite like a building that is itself a work of art. The Guggenheim Bilbao, designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, continues to present compelling exhibitions. One current highlight is Francis Bacon: From Picasso to Velázquez (on view through Jan. 8, 2017). This exhibition traces Bacon’s artistic journey, sparked in part by seeing works by Picasso at Paul Rosenberg’s Paris gallery. Nearly 90 of Bacon’s paintings are displayed alongside works by artists who influenced him, including masters such as El Greco, Francisco Goya and Diego Velázquez. Velázquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X in particular left a profound mark on Bacon’s imagery and themes.
Also on view this season is Albert Oehlen: Recent Works (through Feb. 5, 2017). Oehlen is widely regarded as one of the most influential and provocative contemporary painters. The exhibition highlights his ongoing exploration of artistic freedom, drawing on sources as varied as advertising, Expressionism, Surrealism and digital image-making. Oehlen’s works challenge conventions and invite viewers to reconsider boundaries between control and chance in painting.
Opening later in the season is The Collection of Hermann and Margrit Rupf (Nov. 11–April 23, 2017). The Rupfs are recognized as the first private Swiss collectors to concentrate on abstract art. Their collection, compiled in the company of close friends such as Paul and Lily Klee, features several works by Klee alongside pieces by Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger and André Derain. This presentation offers insight into the development of abstract art through the eyes of committed early collectors.
Visiting the Guggenheim Bilbao provides not only access to major temporary exhibitions but also the chance to experience the museum’s permanent collection and its striking architecture. The building’s flowing titanium and glass forms create a dialogue between contemporary art and its urban setting, enhancing how works on view are perceived. Whether you’re drawn to Bacon’s psychological intensity, Oehlen’s experimental approach, or the historical depth of the Rupf collection, the museum offers exhibitions that inform and inspire.