While French avant-garde artist Francis Picabia, born on this day in 1879, is best known for his affiliation with Dada, I am (characteristically!) drawn to his animal portraits. First up, his painted portrait of Gertrude Stein's pet poodle, Basket
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Recently saw “Udnie” in Centre Pompidou and was immediately drawn to Picabia of whom I wasn’t aware before. Seeing his animal portraits now, I am even more intrigued. At first glance his style seemed to have changed drastically during his life. I am eager to learn about it now 🤓
(Interlude: famed modernist Gertrude Stein & her partner Alice B. Toklas actually had two dogs of the same name, known as Basket I & Basket II. Here are photos of Stein relaxing with one of the Baskets & her other dog, Pepe; & Stein showing off artist Marie Laurencin's painted portrait of Basket II)
Art historians have often scratched their heads over the arc of Picabia's career, which went from Cubism & Dada earlier on to later works like these two, which are very different from his earlier efforts
That’s good art I used to be an artist. My art media of choice was Nupastels because they were firm and didn’t easily break like soft pastels. I also liked prisma colored pencils. Both medias make beautiful work. 🙌
I loveeee when you’re also able to see how folks in history overlapped as well—Stein’s poodle! So cool! I’m reading a memoir by Peggy Guggenheim and it’s fascinating.
Its kind of like troll levels in Mario maker. They engage into breaking every single rule and that result in a complete cascade of comedy thats both amazing to watch and experience.
My general approach lately, given the state of the world, is that it can be a good thing to bring a bit of joy or lightness to people's day. I taught a class on love, joy, & devotion this past fall, and it's really helped shift my outlook in that respect
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The variety of work may keep some away from Picabia, but it intrigues me to this day.
All I want to make anymore is dog paintings and prints.
Much of the appeal of dada was to witness the utter bafflement of the art community who had to deal with it.
(you're welcome)