“I have a horror of people who speak about the beautiful. What is the beautiful? One must speak of problems in painting!”
- 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
“I have a horror of people who speak about the beautiful. What is the beautiful? One must speak of problems in painting!”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso expresses his disdain for the superficial conversation about beauty in art. He questions the concept of the beautiful, suggesting that it is an ambiguous and subjective term that should not dominate discussions of art. Picasso believed that true art was about exploring the problems and challenges inherent in the medium itself—how to represent reality, how to break away from tradition, and how to convey deeper meanings. Throughout his career, Picasso constantly challenged the norms of beauty, moving from the realistic depictions of his earlier works to more abstract forms, particularly through his development of Cubism and Surrealism. For Picasso, the focus should not be on aesthetic pleasure but on the innovative process and the conceptual depth that art could achieve.
In modern times, this perspective resonates with contemporary debates about the purpose of art. While traditional art movements often emphasized beauty and form, today, many artists are more focused on addressing social, political, and philosophical issues. Picasso’s rejection of the concept of beauty in favor of problem-solving in art challenges us to think about art as a tool for communication, critique, and exploration. Artists today continue to experiment with unconventional materials and techniques, questioning what art should represent and how it can speak to the issues of the time.
An example of this can be seen in the work of modern artists like Ai Weiwei or Banksy, who use their art to address social injustice, political corruption, and identity issues rather than focusing solely on aesthetic beauty. Their work highlights that art’s true power lies in its ability to confront problems, provoke thought, and inspire change, rather than merely offering visual pleasure. Picasso’s quote urges us to look beyond the surface and delve into the deeper questions that art can raise, emphasizing its role as a means of engagement and transformation.
