Picasso WORDS

The 20^th Century produced an infinite number of great and innovative artists and minds. The movements, styles and schools go on endlessly. Dada, minimalism, abstract expressionism, pop and cubism are but a few idioms from the last hundred years or so. Picasso was at the forefront of many and the proponent of many more. He worked as a painter, ceramicist, sculptor, print maker and theatrical designer. With works numbering in the thousands he was considered by most experts to be number one in vast fields of practitioners.

The mind and talents of the man represent something unparalled in scope. It is only fitting that his words would be equally as impressive, witty and poignant as any of his other creations. His attributed quotes are as entertaining and richly original as would be expected of a man possessed of such genius. 

Picasso’s spoke on every subject. Among his particulars were of course art, creativity, imagination, the meaning and purpose of living and many other essentials of the genius mind as well as the everyday. By most accounts Picasso was no writer (imagine that) his quotes came largely from the conversations held with his friends and lovers; also members of the media and other inquisitive types were exposed to Picasso’s insights. His thoughts and opinions were self-expressions that propelled the artist and man through life. One of Picasso’s most interesting quotes summed up his passion, purpose and spirit of living. He was noted to have said; perhaps in jest; “Mass in the morning, Bull Fight in the afternoon and Brothel at night.” He was famous for his attentions and devotion to all three. He also said this small thing that summed up his prenominal work ethic; “I often paint two or three paintings in a single day. Afterwards; I will often paint another to relax.”    

Take a little time now and immerse yourself in the view points, wisdom and words of Picasso. And what would any text on Picasso be without the embellishment of his provocative, timeless, uniquely original and immaculate images?

Picasso QUOTES

“People don’t realize what they have when they own a picture by me. Each picture is a phial of my blood. That is what has gone into it.”

                                                                                                                           Picasso

                                                                                                                                  

“When I paint my object is to show what I have found and not what I am looking for. What one does is what counts and not what one had intended of doing.”

                                                                                                                               Picasso      

                                                                                                                           

“Painters should have their eyes put out like goldfinches to make them sing better.”

                                                                                                                            Picasso

“When there’s anything to steal.

                 I steal.”

               

“Anything of great value-creation, a new idea-carries its shadow zone with it. You have to accept it that way. Otherwise there is only the stagnation of inaction. Every positive value has its price in negative terms and you never see anything very great which is not, at the same time, horrible in some respect. The genius of Einstein led to Hiroshima.”  

                                                                           Picasso

 “You mustn’t always believe what I say. Questions tempt you to tell lies, particularly when there is no answer.”

                                                               

         

“No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.”

The Power of Art

In the Tower: Kerry James Marshall

 

Kerry James Marshall is in “The Tower.” He will be there through December 7^th. Make every effort to get to this revealing art exhibition. “The Tower” for the record is the one at The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The spiral stair case just off the second floor will take you there. You will not be disappointed. Marshall is one of the most successful and sought after artists of the day by museums and by collectors. I’ve also seen his seen his originals at The Smithsonian’s American Collection, the “30 Americans” exhibition at the Corcoran and at   San Francisco MOMA. He always inspires amazes and is at the top of his game. 

 

 

 

 

Marshall’s exhibition is a mini retrospective of sorts that covers many of his series’ including “The Garden Project” paintings and his “Memorabilia” pieces.  There are historical references to much of his art. The African-American experience is central and a “jump off point” for Marshall. One of the exhibit’s newest and most impressive pieces is Marshall’s own envisioning of Homer’s “Gulf Stream.” Homer’s original depicts a Black man adrift at sea; alone and surrounded by terrors and potential threats. The waters are choppy, sharks encircle the small vessel and a typhoon looms in the distance. Marshall by contrast depicts a family in a small yacht, calm waters and a definite sense of optimism pervades; almost to the point of naivety. The two works exist in contrast and speak very much to their respective times and are strong statements wonderfully executed.

 

Marshall who studied with the great draughtsman Charles White has richly gained from that experience. There are approximately twenty drawings by Marshall exhibited here and they are amazing to see. In many ways drawings tell more about the craft and mind of an artist than any other form of expression. The Marshall drawings illuminate this point to an extreme and are treasures unto themselves. Included is also one of Marshall’s drawing/studies for his “Gulf Stream.” In particular this adds an additional depth to an already provocative and meaningful exhibition.   

 

 

To be exhibited at the National Gallery is to be acknowledged as a master of an artist’s chosen form of expression. Marshall’s placement “In the Tower” can be taken as something symbolic. Marshall has stated; “…I’m not trying to teach anybody anything. I’m just sharing some thought that I’ve had with some people.”  I guess he can’t help the teaching part; perhaps he not teaching but we are certainly learning and growing through his artistic vision. Again; seek out this show at all cost. It is to be cherished!