Unveiling Picasso as a writer and poet

AN exhibition titled “Writer: Picasso” is underway at the Biblioteca Miguel de Cervantes, Shanghai, showcasing the Spanish painter’s lesser-known talent of being a poet.

“Picasso’s poetry and his other works of writing are often overlooked in discussion of his long and varied career. Despite being immersed in the literary circle for many years, Picasso did not produce any writing himself until the age of 54,” said José Lebrero Stals, artistic director of the Picasso Museum in Malaga and the director of the documentary presented at the exhibition.

Picasso’s literary career began in 1935 and he created more than 350 poems. In his own words, he had left everything behind — oil paintings, sculptures, prints, and was totally devoted to writing poetry almost every day.

“His poetry is unpunctuated, mixed with Spanish and French; and this improvisational writing became the inspiration of many of the images he later created,” said Professor Yu Zhongxian, the French translator of Picasso’s poetry, who won the Lu Xun Literature Prize of Translation last year.

The exhibition, which is open to the public till December 5, features photographs and publications related to Piccaso’s literary creation. A documentary is specially produced, which includes interviews with Spanish writers and intellectuals in memory of Picasso and his works.

A rare exhibit will also be unveiled: the original manuscript of a congratulatory message drafted by Chinese poet and scholar Guo Moruo in 1961 on behalf of the Chinese government to congratulate Picasso on his 80th birthday. The manuscript shows China’s recognition and respect for the Malaga genius, as well as the friendship between China and Spain.

The attraction between Picasso and China goes both ways. The Andalusian painter, impressed by the abstract mood of Chinese calligraphy, the free strokes and the beauty of simplicity, lamented in front of the French poet Claude Roy: “If I had been born in China, I would not have been a painter but a calligrapher. I can write my paintings.”

Date: Through December 5, 11am-6:30pm Venue: Biblioteca Miguel de Cervantes Address: 208 Anfu Rd