La Vie is a painting by Pablo Picasso completed in May 1903. It depicts four figures; two adults, a child and a mother. The father figure symbolizes Carlos Casagemas, one of Picasso’s close friends who recently passed away. Picasso conveys his message through the use of angular shapes and distorted figures in order to make them appear otherworldly.
The painting marks a pivotal moment in Picasso’s life as it is believed to be the first Cubist painting. His later works, such as Head Of A Woman (Olga Picasso) from 1930-31 further cemented his power to evoke emotion and tell stories with art. With its angled bodies, chaotic lines and vibrant colors, Head Of A Woman portrays Olga looking away from the viewer into the unknown. It showcases how significant artistic techniques have changed over time, making Picasso’s body of work an invaluable contribution to world art today.
