PABLO PICASSO 1881-1973

PRESS RELEASE

Pablo Picasso, the Spanish painter, printmaker, and sculptor (1881-1973), is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, whose work spans numerous artistic movements. No technique was foreign to him; he created paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, stage sets, and monumental art, showcasing his boundless expressive abilities.

Picasso’s talent was evident early on. By the age of 15, he was already attending art school, and at 17, he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid. In 1901, art dealer Ambroise Vollard organized Picasso’s first exhibition in Paris. In 1904, Picasso moved to Paris permanently, settling in the famed Bateau-Lavoir.

Picasso drew inspiration from his immediate surroundings, his neighborhood, interests, and family life. He also responded directly to social phenomena and events, powerfully expressing his views through his art.

In 1937, the Spanish Civil War inspired Picasso to create one of his most famous works, “Guernica,” a profound depiction of his nation’s plight and the anguish and horrors of war. Picasso also created the iconic peace symbol, the dove, for the World Peace Congress held in Paris in 1949.

Although Picasso spent most of his life in France, his work was profoundly influenced by the artistic traditions of his native Spain as well as Greek mythology.

The exhibition of Picasso’s prints has been organized in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth. It has already been displayed at Galerie Artek in Helsinki and Galerie Grafiart in Turku. At the Pori Art Museum, visitors can also view around 20 Picasso works from the private collection of Professor Maire Gullichsen. The exhibition thus provides a comprehensive overview of Picasso’s entire body of graphic works, featuring over a hundred pieces from 1904 to 1971.

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