“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”
- October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973
- Born in Spain
- Painter, sculptor, printmaker
- Founder of Cubism, he had a revolutionary influence on 20th century art, leaving behind masterpieces such as “Guernica”
Quote
“There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso challenges the common perception of abstract art as something purely non-representational. He asserts that, regardless of how abstract a piece may appear, it must have a foundation in something tangible or real—a subject, form, or idea that serves as the initial starting point. Picasso suggests that true abstraction doesn’t emerge from a void, but from a process of distillation, where the artist removes or simplifies elements of reality until only the essence remains. This speaks to Picasso’s own approach to art, particularly in his pioneering work with Cubism, where he began with recognizable subjects like still lifes or figures, but broke them down into geometric shapes and perspectives to create something that transcended traditional representation.
In modern times, this quote underscores the creative process behind many abstract works. Whether it’s in painting, sculpture, or even digital art, artists often start with real-world references—objects, landscapes, human figures, or emotions—and then manipulate these elements to evoke a deeper, more conceptual meaning. This process emphasizes the importance of intentionality in abstraction, where the removal of recognizable elements is not an act of randomness, but one of thoughtful distillation that conveys something beyond the visible. Picasso’s belief suggests that true abstraction is not just about formlessness, but about transforming reality into something new and expressive.
A contemporary example can be seen in the work of artists like Mark Rothko or Wassily Kandinsky, who began with recognizable forms or emotions before evolving them into powerful abstract compositions. Even in modern digital art, creators often start with a real-world concept—whether it’s a photograph, landscape, or emotional theme—and then manipulate it to explore new dimensions of meaning. Picasso’s words remind us that even in the most abstract of works, there is always a link to reality, and it’s this connection that allows the artist to create something meaningful and emotionally resonant.
