“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
- 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
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso emphasizes the natural creativity that every child possesses, suggesting that all children have an inherent artistic ability to express themselves freely and without inhibition. Children’s art is often spontaneous, imaginative, and unbound by rules or expectations. Picasso, however, identifies a challenge that comes with growing up: as people age, societal pressures, formal education, and the need to conform often suppress this innate creativity. The “problem,” as Picasso sees it, is maintaining that childlike freedom and boldness in artistic expression once the individual is exposed to the more rigid and conventional structures of adult life. For Picasso, the true task of an artist is to retain that raw, uninhibited creativity despite the forces that seek to stifle it.
This idea is particularly relevant in today’s world, where creativity is often regarded as a skill that requires training, rules, and discipline. In modern society, people are often encouraged to follow practical, conventional paths, and artistic expression is sometimes seen as a luxury rather than a core part of one’s life. Picasso’s words urge us to remember that the most profound creativity is not necessarily about following established techniques, but about maintaining the freedom to explore, express, and experiment, much like a child would.
An example of this can be seen in entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, who embraces creativity in business by breaking conventional rules and encouraging innovative thinking. Similarly, artists like Yayoi Kusama or Banksy maintain a playful and unconstrained approach to their work, despite having grown well beyond their early artistic beginnings. Picasso’s quote reminds us that the true essence of being an artist lies in the ability to remain open, spontaneous, and uninhibited, regardless of age or circumstance.
