Ep 7. Picasso

In Simon Schama's Power of Art season 1 episode 7, titled Picasso, we explore the life and work of one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of the 20th century - Pablo Picasso. Schama takes us on a journey through Picasso's life, from his early years in Spain to his rise as a celebrated artist in Paris and beyond.

Through interviews with experts and scholars, we gain insight into Picasso's unique artistic style and his impact on the art world. We see how Picasso's work evolved throughout his career, from his early realistic paintings to his later abstract pieces. We also learn about the artist's personal life and the relationships that influenced his art, including his tumultuous love affair with fellow artist Dora Maar.

We witness Picasso's contributions to the Cubist movement, which challenged traditional notions of perspective and representation in art. Schama contextualizes Picasso's work within the social and cultural realities of the time, including the upheaval of World War I and the emergence of new technologies and ways of thinking.

Furthermore, we see Schama highlighting how Picasso's sense of experimentation extended beyond painting and into other forms of art, including sculpture and ceramics. We encounter some of Picasso's most famous pieces, such as "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," which paved the way for modern art as we know it today.

Throughout the episode, Schama weaves together both visual imagery of Picasso's art and rich historical context to create a compelling portrait of an artist whose influence endures today. Moreover, we see the ways in which Picasso's pioneering vision transformed the art world, influencing countless other artists and changing the face of modern art.

Overall, Simon Schama's Power of Art episode on Picasso is a must-watch for anyone interested in art history or the creative process. This episode is fascinating, insightful, and inspiring - just like its subject.