Picasso at the Barnes

Picasso at the Barnes

The Barnes Foundation presents Picasso: The Great War, Experimentation and Change, in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art. Curated by Simonetta Fraquelli, the exhibition is filled with a collection of Pablo Picasso’s brilliant avant-garde pieces. The bright colors and contrasting shapes create a strange aura in Picasso’s collection. The exhibition features approximately 50 pieces of art from the time period of 1912 to 1924, and includes work from Picasso’s contemporaries.

The works express the variation in Picasso’s art during the difficult period of World War I. Although many artists of this time frame created art that is a direct translation of the war, Picasso never directly depicted World War I in his art. Although the viewer may be left in a state of confusion and awe, the true meaning behind his work is left for the viewer for interpretation.

The opening party was extremely lively. Flamenco music filled the halls and traditional Spanish dishes were served to honor Picasso. The exhibition itself combined an array of photographs, paintings, collages, studies from the various artists and even included costumes designed by Picasso. It follows Picasso’s work through his experimentation with cubism and other non-traditional styles of artwork.

In his time, cubism was considered an outrage and unpatriotic. Cubism even offended other avant-garde artists but this did not prevent Picasso from experimenting with sand and oil paints to develop his new style.

Picasso also played with body proportions in his artwork. There was a period of time where his portraits consisted of paw-like hands and feet along with rubbery limbs. Although the figures were disproportionate, Picasso painted them with serene expressions which made them seem to be at peace. In addition, Picasso continued to study traditional pencil sketches and portraits that are on view in the exhibition.

The exhibition will be at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia from February 20th through May 9th before it travels to the Columbus Museum of Art. Be sure to check it out before it leaves!