As always, I have found something that I would like to share, just to get the creative juices flowing. I have stumbled upon a really amazing book that looks at the life of Pablo Picasso in kind of an abstract way (no pun intended). It is a novel describing the love affair had with a woman named Eva Gouel. Also the woman who has inspired pieces by Picasso like Ma Jolie. Written by Anne Girard, the novel made me see Picasso in an entirely different light; not focusing so much on the work but on the man and how he thinks, what he feels, and who he ultimately was as a person.
The book highlights the time in Picasso’s life where experimentation with Cubism was starting, with mention of artists like Georges Braque and Cezanne. It is more of a behind the scenes look of what we didn’t learn in our Art History classes. Exceptionally compelling and beautiful, I very much suggest this novel to anyone who is either a book worm or a major Picasso fan. And if you are neither of those things, this book is the perfect place to get started on one or both! I also have to appreciate the childlike quality of the characters, bringing us back to a time when love and art and music were all brand new. And for my art lovers out there, the front and back covers of the book, as well as the spine, are all done in primary colors! That was a little feature I really enjoyed. But anyway… I highly recommend this story and if any of you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think!
