Pablo Picasso

Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881-1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, graphic artist. He was one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century. His work is generally divided into periods: blue period, rose period, cubist period, classical period, surrealist period and abstract period.

His most famous work is the Guernica that demonstrates the inhumanity, brutality and hopelessness of war. The canvas was exhibited in New York for many years until Spain was once again a democratic country. At the moment it can be seen in the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.

When the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris was built, a mural by Picasso was included in the construction plans. "The fall of Icarus" is painted on forty wooden panels and reassembled on a 80 m² wall.

The General Conference of UNESCO in 1980 adopted a resolution to request all member states to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Picasso (Malaga, 25 October 1881) considering the great impact and universal significance of Picasso's work in relation to the evolution and transformation of contemporary art. For this occasion UNESCO struck a special medal, designed by the Spanish Artist Joan Miró. Since 1981 the medal has been awarded to individuals and groups in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the arts or culture. It is also known as the Picasso-Miró Medal.

Other special events included the symposium 'Tribute to Picasso', held at UNESCO Headquarters and addressed to by the French minister for culture Jack Lang. Also a special edition of UNESCO Courier was issued.

Links

The UNESCO Picasso Medal, designed by Joan Miró.

Article on Pablo Picasso in Wikipedia.

The speech by Jack Lang at the symposium 'Tribute to Picasso' from the UNESCO archives (pdf-file).

Stamp catalogue - birth centenary

Benin 2 November 1981

Niger 25 June 1981

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 25 October 1981

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last revised: 28 March 2010