Pablo Picasso

How He Revolutionised Art

Arguably the most prolific artist in history, Pablo Picasso without a doubt left his indelible mark on the art world and wider global culture. With a career that began with his training in childhood, until his death aged 91 he achieved great fame and fortune in his own lifetime. He influenced and guided many of the artists and was at the forefront of many art movements within that time period. 

This is how he did it.

Cubism

Alongside Georges Braque, Picasso is credited with co-founding Cubism in the early 20th century.  The movement emerged as a response to the increasingly fragmented, fast-paced modern world, seeking to depict objects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

At that time many changes in the world of science were occurring simultaneously. At the end of the nineteenth century x-rays, the electron and radioactivity had been discovered, scientists were seeing the world in a new light. By 1905 Einstein had formed his relative theory which removed the “absolute” status of time and space.

Two years later Picasso and Braque removed “absolute” perspective from art. In the initial phase of Cubism, known as Analytic Cubism, Picasso and Braque broke down objects into geometric shapes and analyzed their forms from different perspectives. This approach resulted in paintings characterized by fragmented, abstracted imagery, often rendered in a muted palette of browns, grays, and blacks.

By presenting objects as geometric shapes from multiple viewpoints within a single composition, Picasso challenged conventional notions of perspective and realism. Picasso's Cubist artworks introduced a new way of representing space and form. Instead of relying on traditional methods of creating depth through linear perspective, he emphasized the interplay of overlapping planes and geometric shapes to suggest volume and space.

Collage

Picasso further developed Cubism in the Synthetic phase, wherein he incorporated collage elements and introduced more color into his compositions. This phase saw an expansion of Cubist techniques, with Picasso incorporating found materials into his artwork.

 Incorporating elements such as newspaper clippings, pieces of cloth, and even objects from everyday life, Picasso blurred the distinction between fine art and the mundane. His groundbreaking collages introduced a new dimension to artistic creation,  inviting viewers to contemplate themes of consumerism, identity, and the passage of time. 

Collage marked a pivotal moment in the history of modern art, demonstrating his innovative approach to artistic expression. Picasso's foray into collage was revolutionary, as he seamlessly integrated found objects and materials into his artworks, challenging the traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture.

Abstract Art

Pablo Picasso's influence on abstract art transcends mere stylistic innovation; it fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of modern art. While Picasso's early forays into Cubism laid the groundwork for abstraction, it was his relentless experimentation and willingness to challenge artistic conventions that truly propelled him into the forefront of the abstract art movement.

Picasso's exploration of abstraction extended beyond Cubism, as seen in his later works such as his series of Surrealist paintings, including his most famous work “Guernica”, which includes surrealist elements to depict the horrors of war. These works delved into the realm of the subconscious, employing dreamlike imagery and unconventional juxtapositions to evoke emotional and psychological responses rather than depict recognizable forms.

Surrealism

Picasso was not formally affiliated with the Surrealist movement but his impact on Surrealism was significant and multifaceted. Picasso's ability to delve into the subconscious, creating dreamlike imagery, resonated deeply with their own exploration of the irrational and fantastical. Picasso’s earlier Blue and Rose periods already displayed these elements of psychological depth that appealed to Surrealist sensibilities.

However, it was his later works, particularly those from the 1920s and 1930s, that had a more direct influence on Surrealist art. In his paintings and sculptures from this period, Picasso often depicted distorted figures, blurring the boundaries between human and animal, animate and inanimate. His use of unconventional juxtapositions and dreamlike symbolism echoed the Surrealist interest in tapping into the subconscious mind.

Picasso's experimentation with collage also resonated with Surrealist ideas of chance and spontaneity, as well as their fascination with found objects and materials.

While Picasso's relationship with Surrealism was complex and at times ambivalent, there is no denying his lasting impact on the movement. His willingness to challenge artistic conventions continue to inspire artists and shape the course of Surrealist art to this day. Surrealists such as Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró openly acknowledged Picasso as a major influence on their work. Dalí, in particular, revered Picasso as a mentor and even proclaimed himself as "the new Picasso."

Challenging Traditional Artistic Conventions

Throughout his career, Picasso relentlessly challenged traditional artistic conventions and norms. Throughout his Blue period, his Rose Period, Cubism, Surrealism, Neoclassicism and his own late period. This was never more prevalent than in what some art connoisseurs consider the first painting of the 20th century, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. 

At the time, when it was first exhibited, the painting was deemed “immoral”. Henri Mattise, who would become a lifelong friend of Picasso, considered it a bad joke, yet reacted indirectly to it with his “Bathers With A Turtle”. George Braque, Picasso’s soon to be collaborator with Cubism (to which “demoiselles” was considered a stepping stone) also disliked the painting, but spent many hours studying it. With the painting rejected by art critics and other artists, Picasso refused to exhibit it, rolled up the canvas and did not show it again until 1916. It is now considered one of the most important paintings of the century.

Picasso's influence on contemporary art remains pervasive. His innovative approach to form, composition, and subject matter continues to inspire artists working across various mediums and styles.Picasso's fame and influence extended beyond the art world, making him a cultural icon recognized around the globe. His works are celebrated in museums and galleries worldwide, contributing to his enduring legacy. 

Perhaps most importantly, Picasso's legacy lies in his relentless pursuit of innovation and creativity. His willingness to challenge conventions, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of artistic expression continues to inspire artists and audiences alike, shaping the course of art history.

In Episode 4, series 2 Picasso tells Kennardley Talkstraight about his many loves and extraordinary life. Click below to have a listen.

See More Blog Articles On Great Artists In History