Dear Sophie -
GEORGE BRAQUE and Pablo Picasso worked so closely together, that at times it is almost impossible to distinguish among their works.
Braque stood by CUBISM and systems of fragmentation over the course of his career while Picasso continued to explore other painting methodologies.
With love,
Mom
Dear Sophie -
A strong female figure in the predominantly male Russian artistic community, LYUBOV POPOVA made her mark as a painter, designer and vocal participant. Her work merged the inspirations of suprematism, constructivism and cubism from western europe as well as textile, fashion and graphic design.
Sadly, her vibrant life and career was cut short by scarlet fever, a disease that is thankfully now addressed with antibiotics.
With love,
Mom
Dear Sophie -
The great Spanish painter of the 20th Century is PABLO PICASSO. (1881- 1973) He was prolific in every way.
His ego was the size of his enormous talent. He produced as much as he consumed, filling houses with paintings while leading different lives with different wives.
His subjects and process evolved from the blue period and cubism to lovers and the horrors of the Spanish Civil War in the painting titled "Guernica". GERTRUDE STEIN was an important early patron.
He studied all of the masters, His series of paintings of bathers reference Cezanne. And an entire series of Meninas honor the Spanish painter Velazquez.
Among his great loves was his Dachshund named "Lump"
Con amor,
Mom
If you look for the roots of the CONCEPTUAL movement, you must look to the artist MARCEL DUCHAMP.
Duchamp questioned what is art? What does it mean to be an artist? From this line of thinking he conceived of the READ
YMADE, found objects that Duchamp selected, signed and identified as art. This thinking was so radical that it sparked many a debate as well as homage.
Duchamp came to New York from France in 1915. Although he dabbled among the CUBISM, SURREALIST and DADA movements, he remained an independent thinker.
His friends and peers include BRANCUSI, PICABIA, MAN RAY and LEGER. Some of his most iconic works include The Large Glass, Nude Descending a Staircase, and the ultimate "readymade" titled "FOUNTAIN" which was a urinal! (funny guy to boot!). ROSE SELAVY was one of Duchamp's pseudonyms.
(yep. that's him dressed as a woman, photographed by Man Ray). Duchamp ultimately ceased to make art and focused on chess which was a lifelong passion. He continued to consult with artists, dealers and collectors. His intellect and humor continues to inspire many artists to this day.
With love,
Mom