Ep 1. Picasso: Chapter One

Picasso: Chapter One is the first episode of season two of Genius, an American biographical drama television series created by Noah Pink and Kenneth Biller. The show explores the lives of the most iconic figures in human history, highlighting the triumphs, failures, and complexities that often come with genius. The second season focuses on the life and times of one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso.

The first episode, Picasso: Chapter One, takes us back to the early years of the artist's life. We delve into Picasso's childhood, growing up in Spain with a father who was a painter and art teacher. From a young age, Picasso's talent for art was evident, and his father recognized this. However, Picasso was never content with just following in his father's footsteps. He was determined to create his own unique style of art, which would eventually lead him to become a pioneer of modern art.

The episode does an excellent job of showing the audience how Picasso's early life experiences shaped him as an artist. We see how his exposure to the traditional art forms of his time, such as classical paintings and sculptures, influenced his early works. But we also see how he was intent on breaking free from the conventional techniques of the time, constantly searching for innovative ways to express himself artistically.

As a young man, Picasso moves to Paris, where he meets some of the most influential artists and writers of his time. The episode takes us through Picasso's initial struggles in the Parisian art scene, where he had to contend with the public's perception that his art was strange and incomprehensible. However, we also see the beginnings of Picasso's rise to fame, as he begins to gain recognition from a small group of people who saw the potential in his work.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Picasso's life that this episode explores is his relationship with women. We see how he was attracted to strong, independent women who didn't hesitate to challenge him creatively and intellectually. One such woman was Fernande Olivier, an artist and model who became Picasso's muse and lover. The episode shows us how their relationship influenced Picasso's art, as he began to move away from traditional forms and experiment with new techniques and styles.

The episode also touches on some of the darker aspects of Picasso's life, including his difficult relationship with his father, as well as his struggles with depression and anxiety. We see how these issues affected his art, adding layers of complexity and nuance to his work.

Overall, this first episode of Genius season two is a fascinating look at the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The show does an excellent job of bringing Picasso's story to life, highlighting the passion and creativity that drove him forward, while also delving into the complex emotional landscape that defined his life. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the life of Picasso, or in the evolution of modern art.