Considered one the most influential artists of his time, Pablo Picasso is a late Spanish-born artist famous for popularising cubism. Known for his kaleidoscopic palette and fragmented compositions, Picasso’s work has gone on to inspire generation upon generations of artists. Whether motivated by his comprehensive use of colour or his abstracted geometric forms, we examine the contemporary artists inspired by the ‘father of cubism’.
KAWS
KAWS is a moniker for former graffiti artist Brian Donnelly, now known for his contemporary urban art and collectable toys. Executing prints and paintings as well as sculpture, KAWS’ compositions are influenced by the avant-garde arrangement of cubism, dissecting familiar shapes and rearranging them on the canvas. An edition of 100, Tension, created by KAWS in 2019, is an excellent example of how the work of the artist is inspired by the fragmented structure of Picasso’s artwork.
MIKAEL B
With his practice rooted in graphic design, Mikael B’s work blends a plethora of artistic styles including Surrealism, abstraction, pop art, street art and cubism. Specifically citing Picasso’s style as a key influence on his practice, Mikael B creates vivid canvases that are as vibrant as they are dynamic. A modern and urban twist on the cubist style, Mikael B conflates dimensions of space and time to create immersive works that transport the viewer.
GEORGE CONDO
Coining the term ‘psychological cubism’ to describe his practice, George Condo’s artwork utilises a very specific and unique pictorial language that takes its influence from a vast range of genres. Citing Cy Twombly, Diego Velasquez and Pablo Picasso all as key inspirations, Condo’s artwork depicts a host of grotesque and carnivalesque characters rendered in his signature disjointed style.
GEORGE CONDO, THE INSANE CLOWN, 2019
JUSTIN BOWER
Born in San Francisco in 1975, Justin Bower is a contemporary painter who examines the future of identity in a post-humanist society. Creating large-scale portraits that appear to be glitching, Bower’s work is inspired by Baroque painting as well as Op Art and his fractured faces and bright palette are reminiscent of Picasso’s late portraits.
JUSTIN BOWER, ETERNAL EMEREGENCE, 2020
TOM WESSELMANN
Created with angular forms and abstracted shapes, the geometric compositions of Wesselmann’s sensual works evoke a cubist sensibility. Although he is primarily associated with the pop art movement, the American artist often depicts cropped arrangements executed in block colours or utilising negative space.
