Every person is faced with a creative or professional crisis at some stage in their life. The nature of these events is diverse, as well as their further influence on individual development. The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso has influenced my personal life and career, as it symbolizes the movement from life’s ruin to recognition. This picture gives motivation not to give up because of difficulties and always takes up the challenge to become even stronger.
Studying art allows not only to get aesthetic pleasure but also to analyze the background of the creator’s work and fate. Pablo Picasso is considered one of the most sought-after Cubist and Surrealist painters. However, the author is also known for impressionistic works, including The Old Guitarist. This painting depicts an emaciated older man with a guitar, sitting in an unnatural posture (Picasso, 1903). The work feature is the color scheme, as the primary palette is blue-gray with a contrasting brown. The Old Guitarist stands out from other artists’ works, as it is an impressionist portrait of the man with modernist features due to its focus on emotion and minimalism. This material remained in my memory and made me think about life values.
The Old Guitarist was created in a challenging period of Picasso’s life. It has been noted that the author was experiencing moral hardship due to a friend’s suicide and a financial crisis (“The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso”, n.d.). It is no secret that artists express personal trauma through a new round of creativity, namely colors, plots, and characters. The man on the canvas is surrounded by various shades of cold blue, which indicates a depressed feeling and anxious context for creating the picture. The brown guitar is perceived as the only source of inspiration for the character and the very guiding light that will lead a person out of a crisis. This context made me think about life values since society can perceive them in a distorted way. In other words, people often fail to notice what makes them happy and motivates them to grow personally. It applies to career, education, and personal life, as each of them requires concentration and crisis management skills. Thus, The Old Guitarist conveys the context of the creation through the colors and pose of the character and critically assesses social values.
This class is not only for acquaintance with the masterpieces of world art but also for rethinking personal aspirations in later life. Everyone must learn to deal with stress and crisis periods. It is no secret that art reflects someone’s experience and impressions and can be a lesson for a broad audience. Thus, this class was useful in studying patterns of behavior and facing fears, depression, and lack of motivation. Obtaining this information helps one develop a personal approach to dealing with crises and staying focused on personal victories.
Art is not only a visual or auditory enjoyment but also an essential life lesson. The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso deviates significantly from the rest of the author’s works, as it is an impressionist expression of moral difficulties. The dark palette of colors and the gaunt character demonstrate psychological obstacles in overcoming depression, but the guitar looks like the only way to escape. This context influenced my system of values, and I realized that even things that are not noticeable at first glance could motivate me for new achievements.
References
Picasso, P. (1903). The Old Guitarist [Oil on panel]. Art Institute, Chicago, United States. Web.
The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso. (n.d.) Pablopicasso.org. Web.