Pablo Picasso profile

Name: Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Crispín Crispiniano María Remedios de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso

Date of Birth: October 25, 1881

Place of Birth: Málaga, Spain

Date of Death: April 8, 1973

Place of Death: Mougins, France

Occupation: Painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer

Art Movements: Cubism, Surrealism, Symbolism, Neoclassicism

Early Life

Pablo Picasso was born to an art teacher, José Ruiz, and a homemaker, María Picasso y López. He showed artistic talent from a young age and began formal training at his father’s school. His family moved to Barcelona, where he became involved in the city’s artistic community.

Artistic Development

Blue Period (1901-1904): After the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas, Picasso entered a phase characterized by somber tones and themes of poverty, isolation, and despair. Notable works include The Old Guitarist and La Vie.

Rose Period (1904-1906): This phase marked a shift to warmer colors and themes, focusing on circus performers and artists. Notable works include Family of Saltimbanques and Gertrude Stein.

Cubism (1907-1917): Alongside Georges Braque, Picasso developed Cubism, which fragmented subjects into geometric shapes and redefined perspectives. Notable works include Les Demoiselles d'Avignon and Violin and Candlestick.

Surrealism and Later Works: In the 1920s and beyond, Picasso explored various styles, including Surrealism and Neoclassicism. His later works include Guernica (1937), a powerful anti-war piece responding to the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Major Works

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907): A groundbreaking work that challenged traditional perspectives and introduced a radical approach to representation.

Guernica (1937): A monumental mural depicting the horrors of war and suffering, it remains one of Picasso's most famous and politically charged works.

The Weeping Woman (1937): An exploration of grief and loss, representing the emotional impact of war.

Personal Life

Picasso had a complex personal life, marked by several relationships and marriages. He had four children with three different women: Olga Khokhlova, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, and Jacqueline Roque.

Legacy

Picasso is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for his innovative techniques and contributions to modern art. He produced over 20,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints.

Death

Pablo Picasso died of heart failure in 1973 at the age of 91. His impact on art continues to be felt, and he remains a key figure in the history of Western art.

Influence and Recognition

Picasso's revolutionary ideas and techniques have influenced generations of artists. His ability to continually reinvent himself and explore new styles and themes has left an enduring legacy, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.