picasso and gilot

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Picasso and Francoise Gilot exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery in New York. Not only was the show a fascinating display of cubist fantasy, but also provided a glimpse into the relationship between Gilot and Picasso. 

There is a sensual generosity between the two, exemplified in their self portraits, images that she sketched of him, and he of her; a etherealness showing their love affair, their family life or perhaps simply covering up the strain between the two. It was a wonderfully voyeuristic glimpse into a creative life together and the way in which words are often unnecessary; especially within such visual richness.

With a forty year age difference between them, they spent a tumultuous ten years together, revolved around art, raising children and Picasso's infidelities before splitting in 1953. Gilot went on to marry two more times, and today lives in New York City and Paris, while continuing to exhibit her work internationally. The story of Gilot and Picasso is portrayed in Life with Picasso, written by Gilot in 1964.

Picasso and Francoise Gilot: Paris-Vallauris 1943-1953 will be at the Gagosian through June 30, 2012.
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