The documentary, “Behind the Artist: Picasso”, opens with a brief introduction to the iconic painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and its pivotal role in the history of art, marking the beginning of Modern Art. The focus is on the young Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, who, at the age of 25, arrived in Paris with minimal resources and a limited command of the French language.
The narration delves into Pablo’s baptism on October 25, 1881, in the Church of Santiago al-mayor in Malaga, Spain. Born into the Ruiz Picasso family, a part of the traditional Andalusian middle class, young Pablo exhibited early signs of artistic talent and an insatiable curiosity. His childhood, surrounded by family and influenced by his father’s artistic pursuits, sets the stage for his journey into the world of art.
Artistic Development and Early Works
Pablo’s artistic journey begins with his early fascination with drawing, evident from his childhood sketches. The documentary emphasizes how he quickly grasped the nuances of artistic challenges, showcasing his relentless drive to impress others. His first oil painting, “The Little Yellow Picador,” painted at the age of 8½, reveals both unsure brushstrokes and a precocious gaze, hinting at his future artistic prowess.
The narrative introduces the influence of gypsies on Picasso’s early artistic exploration, highlighting a fascination with the marginalized and socially unacceptable figures. This fascination serves as a recurring theme in Picasso’s life and work, representing a departure from his father’s middle-class world.
Transition to Barcelona and Struggles
As Pablo grows older, his talent earns him a coveted position as a teacher of drawing at the School of Art in Barcelona. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to become a great academic painter, Pablo, at 16, starts to distance himself from academic painting. The tension between father and son arises as Pablo seeks new, exciting paths for his art, immersing himself in the Bohemian life of Barcelona.
The narrative unfolds the turning point in Pablo’s life as he decides to move to Paris, the epicenter of the art world, at the end of the 19th century. The challenges and initial obscurity in Paris are highlighted, leading to his encounter with Pedro Manak, an art dealer who secures him an exhibition with renowned gallery owner Ambroise Vollard. The exhibition’s success propels Picasso into the limelight, earning him the moniker “the little Goya.”
Blue Period and Personal Turmoil
The documentary delves into a critical period in Picasso’s life known as the Blue Period, marked by the death of his close friend Carlos Casagemas. This personal tragedy deeply impacts Picasso’s artistic expression, leading to a pervasive use of blue tones in his paintings. The narrative explores how the melancholic veil of blue becomes a dominant theme, portraying the underside of Paris and the city’s pleasures that consumed Casagemas.
As Picasso grapples with personal turmoil and financial difficulties, he experiences a transformative encounter with Gertrude Stein. The Stein Salon becomes a central hub for artists, where Picasso’s meeting with art dealer Ambroise Vollard and the confrontation with established painter Henri Matisse unfold. Picasso’s determination to defy Matisse and his groundbreaking painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” mark the beginning of Cubism, a revolutionary art movement that would define the 20th century.
Legacy and Recognition
“Behind the Artist: Picasso” concludes with Pablo Picasso’s triumphant return to success, overcoming personal challenges and establishing himself as the most famous artist of his generation. His father’s passing before witnessing his son’s artistic triumph becomes a poignant moment in Picasso’s life, underscoring the artist’s journey from obscurity to worldwide recognition.
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