ISTANBUL , TURKEY , Nov. 30, 2005 – Through March 26, 2006, the Sabanci University ’s Sakip Sabanci Museum in Istanbul is hosting an exhibition of the works of Pablo Picasso.  Having opened on November 24, 2005, this is the first ever exhibition in Turkey to focus on Picasso’s art.  Subsequently, a second such show opened at Istanbul ’s Pera Museum devoted to the work of French artist Jean Dubuffet.  It will run through January 8, 2006.

The Picasso exhibit is comprised of 135 of his most famous works from each artistic phase of his life, including some dating from Picasso’s youth in his native Spain .  The works were selected by his grandson, Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, from museums in Paris and Barcelona and are presented chronologically.  The exhibition also features pictures of the artist’s studio, his friends and relatives taken by notable photographers.

A chronology of Jean Dubuffet’s works is also on display, though his works are sparse prior to 1942 when he was wavering between his family wine-selling business and an artistic career, finally devoting himself to painting at age 41.  The Pera Museum exhibition focuses not only on his paintings, but his prints.  Throughout his life Dubuffet explored a range of different techniques of printing, particularly lithography, and continued to interpret and invent new methods to better meet his artistic needs.  His works have been showcased in museums throughout the world from the Guggenheim in New York City to the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris .

The Picasso exhibit is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00PM at the Sakip Sabanci Museum located at Istinye Cad. No: 22, Emirgan, 34467, Istanbul .  For more information please call +90 212 277 22 00 or visit their website at www.sabanciuniv.edu.

Dubuffet’s exhibit is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00PM at the Pera Museum , located at Mesrutiyet Caddesi, No. 141, 34443 Telebasi, Beyogly, Istanbul .  For more information please call +90 212 334 99 00 or visit their website at www.peramuzesi.org.tr

Turkey , the site of two wonders of the ancient world, is a present-day marvel – the cradle of civilization, the very center of world history and a modern Westward looking republic. It is a country of fascinating contrasts, where antiquity is juxtaposed with the contemporary, the familiar with the exotic; where sun-swept beaches beckon less than an hour away from snow-capped mountains, and everywhere visitors are treated to the extraordinary warmth of the Turkish people.

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