“Figure and profile” is an artwork by Pablo Picasso created in 1928 in France. This piece is rendered on canvas and is associated with the Surrealist movement. The genre of the artwork is ‘interior’, indicating that its subject matter pertains to an inside space or incorporates elements typically found within indoor settings.
The artwork exhibits the distinctive characteristics of Surrealism, an art movement known for its juxtaposition of the bizarre and the familiar to create dreamlike scenes. The central element of the composition appears to be a stylized figure or a profile, depicted with the hallmark abstracted forms and distortions emblematic of Picasso’s unique style. Bold, straight lines delineate the figure, and the profile features curved contours in contrast to the otherwise angular geometric surroundings. The use of colors is striking, with the vivid reds and yellows creating a sense of warm vibrancy against the more muted tones of the background.
The interior elements of the composition may refer to the architectural lines suggesting a room or space, punctuated with decorative motifs. The lines and curves serve both as structural components of the interior and as defining outlines for the figure, blurring the line between the living form and its inanimate surroundings.
Picasso’s “Figure and profile” invites contemplation through its ambiguous forms and the melding of figure and space, typical of the Surrealist desire to challenge perceptions and invite viewers into an altered reality shaped by subconscious and imaginative impulses.
