There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality

There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, is often credited with revolutionizing the art world with his innovative and groundbreaking approach to creating art. One of his most famous quotes, "There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality," perfectly encapsulates his unique perspective on the creative process.

Picasso's statement challenges the traditional notion of abstract art as something completely detached from reality. He believed that all art must have some basis in reality, whether it be a physical object, a feeling, or an experience. For Picasso, the act of creation always begins with something tangible, something concrete that serves as the foundation for the artwork.

However, Picasso also believed in the power of imagination and creativity to transform this initial starting point into something entirely new and abstract. He saw art as a process of distillation, where the artist takes the raw material of reality and refines it into a pure expression of their inner vision. By removing all traces of reality, Picasso believed that the artist could tap into a deeper, more universal truth that transcended the limitations of the physical world.

Throughout his career, Picasso experimented with a wide range of styles and techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. From his early Blue and Rose periods to his groundbreaking Cubist works, Picasso was always searching for new ways to express his ideas and emotions through art.

In his later years, Picasso continued to explore the concept of abstraction, creating bold and dynamic works that challenged the viewer to see the world in a new light. His famous series of paintings known as the "Women" series, for example, depicted the female form in a highly abstract and fragmented manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.