Picasso, 'Every act of creation is, first of all, an act of destruction.' LACMA #cubism #arthistory

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PICASSO AT LACMA:
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) boasts a remarkable Picasso collection, showcasing some of the most iconic works by the legendary Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. Among these famous pieces are "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," a groundbreaking masterpiece that marked the birth of Cubism and revolutionized the course of modern art; "Guernica," a powerful and poignant portrayal of the horrors of war; and "Woman with a Guitar," an exquisite example of Picasso's skillful manipulation of form and color. LACMA's Picasso collection serves as a testament to the artist's unparalleled creativity and enduring influence on the art world, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of Picasso's artistic genius and his lasting impact on the realm of visual expression.

Weeping Woman with Handkerchief, 1937, Pablo Picasso:
The first must-see piece on our tour of LACMA is legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's "Weeping Woman with Handkerchief." The woman captured here is French photographer Dora Maar, who was also one of Picasso's many mistresses. From 1936 to 1944, Picasso carried on an affair with Dora. During this time, he was married to famed Russian dancer Olga Koklova and having an affair with a third woman, Marie-Therese Walter.

There was an intense rivalry between Dora and Marie-Therese as they battled for Picasso's affection. During this time, Dora also learned that she was infertile -- this knowledge combined with the stress of her relationship with Picasso propelled her into a deep depression. This painting is Picasso's rendering of her private agony, and in fact, Picasso painted over 30 portraits featuring a distraught Dora.

Although Picasso painted her suffering many times, this portrayal is particularly heart-wrenching. Her sadness is almost violent; her tears are sharp and painful-looking, almost like nails.

Picasso soon moved on to another lover and muse. Dora, however, remained attached to the painter. In 1997 when she passed away, a collection of Picasso's work was discovered in her apartment. It contained 10 paintings and up to 50 drawings -- the last important collection of his artwork in private hands.

ABOUT LACMA:
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is renowned for its diverse permanent collections, which span a wide range of artistic genres and time periods. From its impressive collection of ancient and contemporary art to its comprehensive holdings in Asian, Latin American, and European art, LACMA offers a captivating journey through the world's artistic heritage.

Check out these other museums/galleries with Picasso collections in Los Angeles:
1. The Getty Center - "Man with a Pipe"
2. Norton Simon Museum - "Woman with a Book"
3. Hammer Museum - "Still Life with Skull, Leeks, and Pitcher"
4. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) - "Tête de Femme (Dora Maar)"
5. The Broad - "Two Acrobats with a Dog"
6. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens - "The Blue Room"
7. Skirball Cultural Center - "Femme au Chapeau"
8. Santa Monica Museum of Art - "Bust of a Woman"
9. Petersen Automotive Museum - "Visage"
10. UCLA Fowler Museum - "Mother and Child"

#museum #artgallery #picasso