Fear , Terror

Describe

In this abstract painting, Picasso creates an extremely dynamic painting. The shapes are mostly geometric and compound. For the most part, the only lines used in the image are edge and actual lines, which are strictly straight and curving. Though, there are abstract lines within the shapes he created. Also, inside the shapes he creates texture with the use of those abstract lines and smoothness with the plainly colored ones. The clashing, sprawled figures and the cluster of abstract shapes makes the piece feel full of energy and dynamic. This is possible even with his choice of only black and white coloring.

Analyze

This painting seems to be dominated by the group of shapes in the center of the work. However, it is balanced out by the figures on its left and right with their dramatic facial expressions and positioning of bodies. When you first look at this work, your eye is drawn to, again, the brightly colored shapes in the middle. Then, they go upwards and to the left, following the direction of the dragon's neck. Then, they travel down across the bottom. Basically, they tend to follow the direction of the white colored shapes because they stand out against the other darker colors and negative space. These brightly colored areas really add interest to the piece and contrast.

Interpret

To me, this painting represents fear. The black, white, and grays that make up the color scheme makes the mood of the work eerie and dark. In addition the gigures have looks of pure terror frozen on their faces. It's a scary picture. They look like they are trying to claw their way out of the painting, it's so horrifying. It's like they are screaming for help from the viewer. So, for those reasons, Picasso's Guernica is a representation of fear.

Guernica- Pablo Picasso, Date: 1937 (May 1st-June 4th, Paris)