|
Art as a diary of life
Conceptual Framework: artist - world - artwork
Are we in agreement with Pierre Daix, who declared that 'the most satisfactory and coherent "periodising" of Picasso's output must be based on the stages of his private life'?
Examine how Picasso has documented his personal life within his artistic practice. Does one inform the other? Explore this dynamic in a wider historical context. What is the value to both artist and audience in doing this? Does this value shift over time?
top
Art about art (1)
Conceptual Framework: artist - artwork
Picasso has stated: 'What is an artist, basically? He's a collector who wants to establish a collection of his own, making the pictures himself that he likes by other people. That's how I begin, and then it turns into something else.'
Picasso was criticised for his interpretation or appropriation of other artists' work. Today this art practice is widely accepted. Find evidence of appropriation in historical art practice and compare its use in contemporary art practice. Consider how other artists have interpreted and appropriated Picasso and his work.
top
Art about art (2)
Conceptual Framework: audience - artist - artwork
Picasso epitomised the non-conformist spirit of modern art. Research Le Dejeuner sur l'herbe by Edouard Manet and consider the critical reception of Manet's work in 1863. What sympathies may Picasso have found. Analyse the relevance of Picasso's exploration of Manet and the critical response to his work during his last decades. Examine the critic's response to Picasso's work during his career, particularly 1953 - 1973. Examine the role of the critics, their influence on the artist, the artwork and the audience.
Is Picasso assessing his own place in art history through the art practise of interpretation and appropriation? Why would he do this? Compare and contrast how and why contemporary artists engage in art historical investigations through their art making process.
top
The Artist and muse
Conceptual Framework: artist - artwork
'The span of this exhibition corresponds with l'epoque Jacqueline, the period of Picasso's relationship with Jacqueline Roque.' - Terence Maloon
Investigate Picasso's relationships with women, his body of work and how these relate to the concept of the muse. Where does an artist's inspiration come from? Consider the role of the model versus the muse throughout art history. Is the concept of the muse exclusive to the visual arts; is it gender-specific; is it positive or negative in effect? Is the concept of the muse still relevant in contemporary arts practice?
top
Art and old age (1)
Conceptual Framework: artist - world - artwork
'...Picasso's last decades saw him wrestling with personal demons connected with his anxiety about ageing and his fear of death.' - Terence Maloon
What effect does ageing have on artists, their creative powers and their output? How does this affect the quantity and quality of their artistic practice? Consider the influencing factors. What are the cultural attitudes regarding old people, their competence, their mental health, their knowledge, their physical desirability, their sexuality, their beauty, their contribution to society? What were Picasso's responses to these prejudices? Research the way artists through the ages have navigated their twilight years.
top
Art and old age (2)
Conceptual Framework: artist - artwork
Picasso protested in an interview: '...What's a face, basically? It's a photograph? It's make-up? Or is it as some painter or other represented it?'
Picasso's eyes and the power of his stare were legendary. In Self Portrait 1972 the artist's eyes are the focal point. Research the symbolism of the eye and the concept of "the gaze" especially in Spanish culture. How have these been utilised in art practice and interpreted by art criticism across time? Considering the artist's stage of life, examine the integration of Spanish culture, artistic practice and personal mythology in his body of work.
top | 
