No artist's life and work -- not even Picasso's -- better represents the modern history of Spain than that of Joan Miro (1893-1983), whose early work from 1918 to 1945 is now on display at the Setagaya Art Museum.
During Miro's lifetime, his homeland underwent dramatic change. At his birth it was a decayed colonial empire; the following period of progressive and anarchic change led to bloody civil war and, between 1939-75, decades of rightwing rule under Gen. Franco. With Franco's death came a process of democratic reform that allowed Spain to throw off the past and, finally, embrace its present role as a decentralized, forward-looking member of the European Union -- as well as a popular tourist destination.
Miro's art has become the symbol of this happy ending, being used extensively to publicize the two major events that showcased the new Spain to the wider world: the 1982 soccer World Cup and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. With the vivid optimism of its bright colors and playful shapes, and an iconic simplicity that allows it to transfer easily to other media, such as posters and television, it is no surprise that Miro's art was pressed into service for national PR.