Josep Lluis Sert/Joan Miro: Duets

This latest volume of Harper Design's ongoing Duets series focuses on a special creative relationship indeed -- that between architect Josep Lluís Sert (1902-1983) and artist Joan Miró (1893-1983).Both Barcelona natives, the lifelong friends remained influential to one another as their individual careers evolved. Even when Sert emigrated to the United States (eventually becoming Professor and Dean at Harvard University), the two remained close: Sert designed Miró's Mallorca studio; Miró paid him with a painting.

Both men's styles reflect their Mediterranean roots. Joan Miró's paintings evolved from the rich, poetic realism of his early works to later symbolic, abstract, organic forms, yet all retained the bold, decorative colors of the Catalan landscape. Josep Lluís Sert's growing concern with urban planning and balancing technology with humanity all remained informed by his Mediterranean origins. Studied together, these careers provide new insights and understanding in the appreciation of modern art and architecture.