The artwork titled “Hommage à Picasso” was created by the artist Max Bill in 1972. It is an abstract piece deeply rooted in the Concretism art movement, which emphasizes the autonomy of art from its representations or similarities to the natural world. Max Bill’s dedication to Pablo Picasso through this work reflects not only a nod to a fellow artist but also engages with the core principles of Concretism by showcasing geometry and color in their pure forms.
The artwork presents a highly geometric composition comprised of a series of nested squares rotated to form a dynamic interplay of shapes within a larger diamond. The construction relies on a central square, from which other squares emerge in a rotated orientation, suggesting a consistent, methodical progression from inside to outer edges. Each of the geometric segments is filled with bold, unmodulated colors: black, red, blue, green, and yellow, sharply delineated against a white background which enhances their vibrancy. The use of primary and secondary colors articulates a clarity that is characteristic of Concretism, inviting the viewer to contemplate the pure visual relationships and harmonic balance within the composition.
