The exhibition The Magritte machine is the first retrospective devoted to René Magritte (1898-1967) to be held in Madrid since the one organised by the Fundación Juan March in 1989. The title The Magritte machine emphasises the repetitive, combinatorial element present in the work of the great Surrealist painter, whose obsessive themes constantly reappear with innumerable variations.

The exhibition is divided into the following sections: 1. The magician’s powers; 2. Image and word; 3. Figure and background; 4. Picture and window; 5. Face and mask; 6. Mimicry; and 7. Megalomania. Curated by the museum’s artistic director, Guillermo Solana, the exhibition brings together more than 90 paintings.

The Magritte machine is completed with an installation in the Museum’s first floor Balcony Gallery. It presents a selection of photographs and amateur films made by the artist himself, thanks to the courtesy of Ludion Publishers.

After closing in Madrid it will travel to the Caixaforum in Barcelona.

Introductory video

With Guillermo Solana, curator of the exhibition. (Video in Spanish)