FROM THE PICASSO EXHIBITION, JUNE 2008
In one of the explanatory notes on the wall at the beginning of the exhibition, at the National Gallery in Canberra, there was a quote from Baudelaire [1863] followed by a reference to Picasso.
“modernity is transitory, fugitive and contingent; it is half of art of which the other half is eternal and immutable. Every old master experienced a form of modernity.”
The commentary went on to say
Far from the image of the modern artist making a clean break with past and present --- persistent though mistaken --- Picasso here appears to be quite seriously climbing on the shoulders of the giants.
As we spent the next few hours in the exhibition, I found my prejudice about Picasso slowly vanishing. What we saw was not mainly his work but his enormous collection of the art work of others, collected throughout his painting life and willed to the French Government on his death. It became clear that Picasso had a great respect for those who had preceded him and we were told of the way he had surrounded himself in his studios with their works, drawing wisdom, insight and inspiration from them.
Why was I impressed enough to return to this statement and copy it on a scrap of paper, surrounded by the bustling crowd at the entrance to the exhibition ?
I think it spoke to those question which lurk in my mind and often surface.
How do I integrate into my life and thought those new experiences which challenge earlier ways of thinking ?
On what basis do I make these adjustments ?
What is it within us that enables us to cling tightly to some ideas and which allows us to discard other elements of past thinking ?
Returning to Baudelaire, and relating it to the theological journey, what are the parts of my theology which are eternal and immutable ? What are those parts which are transitory, fugitive and contingent ? If we gathered a group of friends together and addressed this question, would be find some consensus or……?
Does it matter ?
The curator of the Canberra exhibition suggests that Picasso was “quite seriously climbing on the shoulders of giants.”
On whose shoulders are we climbing as we find our way forward in these uncertain times ? Do we need to climb on the same shoulders ? Whose shoulders are strong enough to bear the weight of us all ? Why do I ask so many questions ?
Mac Nicoll
July, 2008
