6 most absurd yet famous Picasso paintings

Pablo Picasso, one of the most iconic Spanish artists, is famous for the way he changed the approach and opinion people had for the arts. He was one who pushed the boundaries of what was deemed ‘right’ and fit for public eyes and his paintings were mostly the opposite of that which was acceptable to people. And throughout his period, Picasso produced many masterpieces that have become iconic in the world of art.
Here are 6 paintings by Picasso that are considered absurd but are also extremely famous.

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One of Picasso's most famous and impactful works is ‘Guernica’ for sure. Painted back in 1937, ‘Guernica’ is a masterpiece that was painted in response to the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The painting shows the horrors of war and with the distorted figures, anguished faces, and chaotic forms, they are defined as extremely absurd. Plus, the use of monochrome colours adds to the tragedy of the painting.
But, no matter how ‘absurd’ the figures seem to some, ‘Guernica’ was the first of its kind to show the horrors of war.

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Another very famous Picasso painting is ‘The Old Guitarist’. Completed around 1903, this sad, and almost tragic looking painting shows an old man who is hunched over his guitar, his body looking weak and pale and his face void of any energy. The painting's simple and dull colours and the sadness of the old man’s eyes show a sense of loneliness and despair.
The colour on the old man and his form are often termed as absurd by people, but this painting still remains iconic for its deep message.

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A painting with weird and absurd forms is the ‘Portrait of Dora Maar’. This painting by Picasso has been defined with many words. Some call it intriguing, others call it plain absurd and formless.

Painted in 1937 during his relationship with the French photographer and artist Dora Maar, this portrait shows her with distorted and fragmented features and her expression or features are not clear and identifiable. The painting is a beautiful example of Cubism and the forms and colour add to the painting's surreal quality.

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​Picasso's weird, but absolutely iconic ‘Figures at Seaside’ looks like something created by a child who does not know how to pick a pen. But, for people who can understand the form through the fragments, it is a masterpiece.
Made in 1931, this painting features a group of figures lounging on a beach, their bodies twisted in unusual ways.

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Another painting featuring a distorted face is this one. ‘The Weeping Woman’ is considered to be famous and iconic for it is said to be a companion piece to ‘Guernica’, the painting of war.
In ‘The Weeping Woman’, Picasso shows a woman in distress, her face twisted but still showing signs of anguish and tears streaming down her cheeks. The use of bold colours, especially green, black, and red, really makes the features and emotions pop out even though the face is twisted and distorted.

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‘La Reve’, popularly known as ‘The Dream’ is a beautiful, yet absurd painting by Picasso. The painting shows a woman, sitting while being a bit reclined, and then there are two faces in hers. Along the woman’s neck is a necklace and her hands are resting on her knees. Picasso’s muse for this painting looks absolutely at ease with herself, with her expressions calm, waiting for her lover’s embrace which can be seen in the form of dual faces.

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