Night of the Notables Virtual Learning Center: Pablo Picasso

Bonjour! My name is Pablo Picasso, but you probably already knew that. I shouldn’t really need any introduction, but I guess I’ll provide one. My name is Pablo Ruiz Picasso, better known as the greatest painter of the 20th century. I created the art style of Cubism which heavily revolutionized abstract and surrealist art. Through my Blue and Rose Period, I influenced my audience from an emotional standpoint. Not even my most hated critics could deny my impact on the art industry.

Now that introductions are over, welcome to my studio! I’m sorry for the clutter. Haha, but you don’t mind right? Today I’ve organized a gallery of my pieces to display my artistic progression. You can admire at your own pace, it’s not like they’re going anywhere. Anyway, take you’re time, but when you’re done you’ll need to answer a few questions so I know you were paying attention.

When you’re finished, complete this Quizlet.

 

Optional Activity

Required materials: Pen, Paper

Instructions: In only one continuous stroke, recreate one of your favourite pieces from my display in only 1 minute. Have fun, and don’t fret if you’re not as good as I am. After all, I have spent my whole life on perfecting this craft.

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed your time in my studio. Come back soon! Oh, and if you have any questions for me you can ask me now. (Leave your questions in the comment section)

15 thoughts on “Night of the Notables Virtual Learning Center: Pablo Picasso

  1. Brian! I absolutely love that you designed a gallery visit. I really, really enjoyed it. Way to go!

  2. Thanks for sharing some of your art with us. Why do you think people consider you the greatest painter of the 20th century? How did you develop the style of cubism? Why are your paintings divided into a blue and rose period? What made you decided to paint in this way?

    1. People consider me as the greatest painter of the 20th century because of the influence I created through my art. My pursuits in surrealism pushed the established limitations of the art industry. I did not contain my art to the Renaissance era, I strove for innovation. Creating the art style of Cubism was a very long process within my artistic journey. Through constant collaboration and experimentation with my fellow artisan Geroges Braque, we became co-founders of this conceptually challenging style. Cubism was first displayed within my painting Les Demoiselles D’avignon created in 1907. My Blue and Rose Periods are a result of impactful moments of my life. The blue period was spurred by my journeys through Spain as well as the death of my dear friend Casagemas. My rose period was inspired by travelling circuses and saltimbanques. This was a shared interest between my friend Guillaume Apollinaire and I. My different progressions within the craft of art have been drawn from many sources, some invoking deep sorrow and emotion, while others inspired by travel and shared experiences.

  3. Great presentation style! Loved the gallery visit and the interactive activity. What is the significance of the Guernica portrait?

    1. I was commissioned to create a piece by the Spanish republican government in response to recent Nazi bombings on Guernica in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Though this piece was originally meant to be a work displayed at the 1937 Paris world’s fair celebration of modern technology, Guernica became a political message. This painting carries great significance within my heart. It represents the sorrow I felt reflecting on the tragedy which befell my hometown. I wanted to show to the world the destructive powers of war. I needed to show them that war could only resolve in the suffering inflicted on thousands of innocent lives. That this perpetual process would only end in devastation.

  4. Cool! Your paintings are truly fantastic. I’d love to hear if you’d rather paint people or inanimate objects and your opinions on both?

    1. Personally, I’d rather paint inanimate objects. While many of my pieces portray distorted faces and figures of those I’ve loved, I find much more inventiveness in painting and sculpting inanimate objects. In my opinion, there must be a strong relationship between a model and an artist. With people, I would much rather capture the quiddity of a person rather than painting what I see directly in front of me. In the case of inanimate objects, they lend themselves to infinite amounts of creative possibilities and rearrangements.

  5. I absolutely loved the art gallery and the interactive activity was really creative! Picasso, you have been such an inspiration to many aspiring artists, and like you said, you are undoubtedly one of the greatest painters in the 20th century. What are some of your thoughts on the art industry now? Do you think your work would evolve if you were still painting today?

    1. I think the art industry today is a bit nonsensical these days. Paintings of black boxes and dashes of red paint sell for millions of dollars. Pieces have become less technically advanced and more abstract. If I haven’t already made this obvious, I absolutely despised the abstract works created by the American artistic movement during my later years. American artists really knew how to get on my nerves. While the world of art always has room for the great Picasso, I believe my time in the limelight has long since faded. I don’t believe my works would have evolved even if I was painting today. Through every brush stroke and completed piece I hope to always convey my true self on a canvas. No matter how long has passed, I hope to find comfort in Cubism and the company of others, even after decades of change.

  6. Wow! I really loved looking at your blog post! I learned so much! 🙂 The activity was super fun!

  7. Mr. Picasso, I have to say: Guernica is the greatest anti-war painting of all time. It’s great to talk to you in person. If you were alive, what further steps would you take in your art? You have reinvented yourself time and time again, along with the world of Art in general. But do you or would you buy into the idea of modern art? For example a banana on a wall? Love your work and all the best. 🙂

    1. Thank you very much! If I were alive, there’s a high possibility I would have further simplified my art style, but I don’t believe my art would’ve evolved any further than my developments in Cubism. It’s true that I have reinvented myself time and time again yes, but I would never buy into the idea of modern art. I mean, sticking a banana onto a wall with duct tape?! That’s completely preposterous!

  8. Mr. Picasso, thanks for the awesome presentation and gallery tour! You’ve done a wonderful job!
    What was your inspiration for and/or significance behind cubism? Also, what was the most challenging part of your career?

    1. I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed my presentation! My art style of Cubism was greatly influenced by the work of French painter, Paul Cézanne. The most challenging part of my career was most definitely my final decade within the industry. Sadly, many people didn’t enjoy my final exhibition in Papal Palace. American abstract art became the newest trend, and I became merely a shadow of the past.

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