All hail the artist !
From Africa to China, these images confirm that Picasso is synonymous with modern art, and has been for several decades.
Paintings by artists such as the Equipo Crónica collective and Erró reflect the art of the self-portrait as practiced by Picasso. They also reflect the unprecedented proliferation of the artist’s image in the mass media – newspapers and magazines whose importance grew along with Picasso’s glory.
Austrian critic Wieland Schmied was behind the first project bringing together Picasso and contemporary creation. In 1971, he commissioned a portfolio to mark the artist’s 90th birthday. Over 50 artists took part in this tribute, of which Picasso was himself a curious observer. Past companions, hard-line avant-gardists, realists, abstract artists, pop artists and minimalists all celebrated the vitality and freedom associated with this Spanish artist.