In May of 2001, I embarked on Pasaje Picasso, a personal journey to immerse myself in Pablo Picasso’s life and art. As an artist, I wanted to do more than study his works in books or museums—I sought to walk in his footsteps, stand where he stood, and uncover his genius’s essence firsthand. It wasn’t just about retracing his life but about experiencing it, exploring the sites and cultures that shaped his evolution, and creating my art inspired by his monumental legacy.

Barcelona Feb 18, 2002

The journey began in Málaga, Spain, at Picasso’s birthplace. Standing in the very rooms where he spent his earliest years, I felt a connection to his origins, surrounded by the vibrant Andalusian culture that undoubtedly influenced his later work. From Málaga, I traveled to Barcelona, where his artistic journey took a significant leap. Visiting the School of Fine Arts, where a young Picasso made a turning point, was deeply inspiring. Brimming with creativity and Catalan identity, Barcelona’s streets gave me a sense of the city that nurtured its formative years.

Next, I made my way to Paris, where Picasso and Georges Braque invented Cubism and where Picasso lived for over 40 years. Paris became my home off and on for months during this quest. I had already spent a year in Latin America learning Spanish to better connect with Picasso’s roots. I studied French in Paris to deepen my understanding of the culture that so profoundly influenced him. In Paris, I roamed Montmartre and Montparnasse, the neighborhoods where he lived and worked, absorbing the bohemian spirit that defined the art world of his time.

Picasso’s mural size protest painting, “Guernica.”

I spent countless hours in museums and galleries, studying Picasso’s masterpieces. I explored his early works in Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, marveling at his artistic transformation. In Paris, the Musée Picasso revealed the breadth of his genius, while the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid offered the profound experience of standing before Guernica, his haunting masterpiece. In New York’s MoMA, I studied his iconic Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, delving into its revolutionary impact on modern art.

To expand my understanding I went to Guernica to see the town for myself. Interestingly, I saw the graffiti pictured above on a wall.

This quest was about more than observation; it was about participation. Along the way, I created my art, inspired by the places and ideas that shaped Picasso. His relentless experimentation and boundary-pushing became a guiding force for my explorations.

Pasaje Picasso was more than a journey through geography; it was a passage through history, culture, and artistic evolution. By living in his world, studying his masterpieces, and embracing the diverse influences that defined his life, I gained a deeper understanding of Picasso and a richer sense of my creative identity. This quest taught me that art is not just a destination but an ever-evolving journey.

The following articles will be updated with details of my “Pasaje Picasso” Quest.