“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”
- 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
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso draws a parallel between color and emotion, suggesting that both are fluid and interconnected. Just as a person’s facial expression changes based on their emotional state, the use of color in art can reflect and amplify the emotions conveyed in a piece. For Picasso, color is not merely an aesthetic choice, but an emotional tool that can evoke and communicate feelings, much like the subtle shifts in a person’s face. Throughout his career, Picasso used color in innovative ways to express emotional depth and psychological complexity, particularly in works like his Blue Period and Rose Period, where the mood of the colors reflected his internal state and the themes he was exploring. This quote suggests that art is a deeply emotional process, where color, like expression, is influenced by the artist’s feelings and state of mind.
This idea is particularly relevant in modern art, where color continues to be used as a powerful emotional language. Artists today often choose colors based on the emotional resonance they wish to evoke, rather than following traditional rules of representation. Picasso’s view encourages us to see color as a dynamic force in art, one that is deeply connected to the artist’s emotional landscape and can shift in response to personal experiences or societal changes.
An example of this can be seen in the work of Mark Rothko, whose use of color in his abstract paintings is intended to evoke emotional responses, often creating a contemplative and meditative space for the viewer. Similarly, expressionist painters like Edvard Munch used color to reflect inner turmoil, with vivid hues amplifying the emotional impact of works like The Scream. Picasso’s quote reminds us that art, particularly through color, can transcend representation and instead serve as a window into the emotional and psychological state of both the artist and the viewer.
