Dive into The Young Women of Avignon!

The Two Central Figures (marked red)

Take a closer look at the central women, standing upright with exaggerated, solid forms and angular, pinkish-brown tones. This composition places us, as viewers, directly within the scene, inviting us into a setting inspired by a brothel on Avignon Street in Barcelona, where Picasso himself was a visitor. Yet, instead of the idealized beauty often found in art, Picasso offers a raw, unsettling portrayal that breaks traditional ideals, challenging us with its direct, almost confrontational gaze.

The Masked Faces (marked blue)

The other three women feature tribal mask-inspired faces, a bold statement that integrates African and Iberian influences. Picasso was inspired by masks he saw in Paris, giving these figures a powerful, unsettling presence that challenges viewers to question their expectations about portraiture.

Think About It 🤔 

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon was born from Picasso’s exposure to African sculpture, Iberian masks, and ancient Egyptian art—made accessible in Paris largely due to French imperial expansion, in addition to non-African influences including the art of Paul Cézanne and El Greco. This fusion of cultural forms transformed Picasso’s work and led to the mask-like faces in the painting, challenging Western beauty norms.

For Picasso, art was not just aesthetic but a kind of magic that connected to universal forces. Through Demoiselles, he explored fears and desires, merging forms with profound cultural resonance.

How does it relate to the here and now? or What to say during casual conversation to show off your art knowledge?

Challenging Beauty Standards – “Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon shocked viewers by blending African and Iberian influences and abandoning traditional beauty standards. It’s similar to how modern art, music, and fashion today break conventions to redefine beauty and aesthetics.”

Pioneering Cubism – “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon marked the beginning of Cubism by flattening depth and creating fragmented perspectives. Picasso’s approach is like today’s use of virtual reality—reshaping how we perceive space and experience art.”