Picasso - The Mediterranean Years would appear to be a retrospective of the artists' entire life's work -- with its vast range of ceramics, sculptures, paintings, drawings and more. However this exhibition hones in on works produced in a period of 17 years, from 1945-1962 -- nearly 10 years before his death. Gagosian truly went all out for this impressively curated spectacle as Picasso's works are housed in a pristine museum quality setting. What's specifically telling about The Mediterranean Years is a different side of Picasso. The visual language of these works present a less machismo and more playful approach, which see him produce portraits of his children, cut out paper masks, and a brilliant terracotta pot with a painted bikini. The essence and history of the Mediterranean climate and surroundings are reflected throughout -- prevalent in his earthy-toned ceramics including a myriad of bulls, goats and Minotaurs. These ceramics embody Picasso's Spanish roots where, in a way, the artist has come full circle, reverting back to his heritage. The exhibition provides us with several spectrums of his oeuvre that go back to his early career whilst enlightening us on the transitions to his later works, resulting in a tremendously rich exhibition.

NB: runs till 28/08. Also of note is Picasso: Peace And Freedom currently on view at Tate Liverpool (till 30/08).