Tête et étoile 1961

The 1961 lithographic poster "Tête et Étoile" by Joan Miró is a remarkable example of the artist’s playful yet profound surrealist vocabulary. Known for his dreamlike compositions, biomorphic forms, and spontaneous brushwork, Miró transforms the canvas into a realm where the cosmic and the organic collide in poetic harmony.

In this artwork, Miró employs a minimal yet striking palette, featuring bold black, red, yellow, blue, and green, arranged in seemingly spontaneous bursts of energy. The title, meaning "Head and Star", hints at the surrealist idea of connecting the celestial and the earthly, a recurring theme in Miró’s work.

• The large black-outlined forms resemble abstracted heads or eyes, evoking childlike innocence yet deep symbolic meaning.
• The small, spindly star shape—a signature motif in Miró’s universe—floats above, appearing like a celestial entity or an insect in motion.
• The vibrant patches of color, seemingly applied with an impulsive gesture, add dynamism and contrast to the composition.

Miró was deeply influenced by automatism, a technique associated with Surrealism that sought to bypass conscious control in favor of spontaneous, subconscious creation. "Tête et Étoile" exemplifies this approach, as the elements appear as if they were created instinctively, without premeditation. His work is often described as "poetry in paint," with each element conveying a sense of movement, rhythm, and emotional resonance.

This 1961 poster is a highly desirable piece for collectors of Mid-Century Modern and Surrealist art. As a lithographic print, it served as a means of making Miró’s work more accessible while still maintaining the vibrancy and texture of his original compositions. Whether viewed as a playful abstraction or a deep metaphysical exploration, "Tête et Étoile" remains a testament to Miró’s genius in bridging dreamlike fantasy and modernist abstraction.

Abstract - Literature

Behind the mirror

Maeght

Good condition, creases from printing