Picasso: The Search for Humanity

Picasso is our artist for this Sunday at the Refuge. Picasso lived from the late 1880's until 1973. In fact, he was one of the few artists (if not the only one) to achieve international celebrity during his lifetime. Since he worked during a time of mass media, his works had been viewed by millions of people before he died. This is contrasted to a master like Vermeer, whose works were probably only viewed by hundreds during his life. Picasso was a rock star of artists.
Picasso's work included several different styles. To view samples of his work, go here.
I believe that Picasso sought to understand the human condition; to discover what it means to be human. He explored this through several subjects in his art.
Three works that are exemplars of his thought are:
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, which was widely condemned by Picasso's contemporaries, but clearly illustrates Picasso's preoccupation with sexuality.
Guernica depicts the horrors of the bombing of civilians during the Spanish Civil War.
Breakfast of a Blind Man is from Picasso's blue period, and is a somber study in deprivation and suffering. It is interesting to note that it was painted at a time of deep poverty in Picasso's life.

Sunday, we will discuss the meaning of Picasso's art and the significance of his search for humanity. The worship bulletin with Scriptures is here.