Chapter 73 Picasso exorcising evil on canvas

Picasso tried to find the strength to overcome his inner fear through painting activities. The "Girls of Avignon" completed by Picasso in 1907 is a very important milestone in the history of modern art.This painting completely violates the tradition of European art. The five nudes on the screen have rough lines, pure and unrestrained colors, and boldly distorted faces. It is hailed by later generations as a masterpiece that opened the prelude to Cubism. When traditional art critics comment on the girls of Avignon, they often focus on their shape, that is, pointing out that it is similar to primitive art in shape.But its origin with primitive art is not limited to shape. What Picasso wants to capture is the potential power in primitive art, which is invisible on canvas.

Picasso later wrote in a letter to the writer Maraux: When I visited the Museum of Humanity, those masks were not just sculptures. They were magical things used to fight against unknown, threatening spirits. They were a kind of Weapons, to protect human beings from the domination of evil spirits. The inspiration for "The Maidens of Avignon" must have been obtained that day, not only its shape, but also the first time I exorcised evil spirits on canvas! Picasso repeatedly modified "The Girls of Avignon" in order to create a scene of exorcism on the canvas.But what evil is he trying to exorcise?Picasso of this period was always worried about getting venereal disease and had conflicting attitudes towards women. Therefore, he may regard this painting as a magical weapon like the black mask.The two distorted female faces on the right side of the picture resemble the shapes of African masks against evil spirits.In the activity of painting, Picasso may have discovered the strength to overcome his fears.

Picasso realized earlier than anthropologists that primitive art is not only to be seen, but also to be used. "The Girls of Avignon" represents not only the change of artistic shape, but also the change of artistic function.If we can also have this understanding, then we will be able to have a deeper understanding of Picasso's later works.