Françoise Gilot interview on Pablo Picasso (1998)
TLDRIn this 1998 interview, Françoise Gilot reflects on her life as a painter and her influential relationship with Pablo Picasso. Born into an artistic family in Paris, Gilot was encouraged to pursue her passion for art from a young age. Despite her father's initial insistence on a law career, Gilot's determination and talent led her to become a recognized artist in her own right. Her relationship with Picasso, while tumultuous, provided valuable artistic insights and a unique perspective on the creative process. Gilot's narrative highlights the importance of individuality and the pursuit of one's own artistic vision, even in the presence of a towering figure like Picasso.
Takeaways
- 🎨 Françoise Gilot's mother was a talented watercolorist and ceramist, influencing her artistic inclination from a young age.
- 🌟 Despite her father's desire for her to attend law school, Françoise was determined to pursue painting as her career path.
- 📚 Gilot's father played a significant role in shaping her intellect and providing guidance, without limiting her artistic pursuits.
- 🖼️ Gilot's early exhibitions in Paris during the German occupation were scrutinized for any content that could be considered anti-German.
- 💡 The war years and the influence of artists like Matisse and Picasso led to a more symbolic and minimalist approach in her art.
- 🕰️ Gilot's relationship with Picasso began during a tumultuous time, which she believes influenced their connection and artistic collaborations.
- 🌿 Gilot's personal philosophy was to do what she loved and live each moment fully, especially during the uncertainty of war.
- 👩🎨 Gilot was recognized as a promising painter in her own right before her relationship with Picasso, and she maintained her independence throughout their time together.
- 📖 Gilot wrote a book about her life with Picasso to document their shared experiences and to assert her own identity outside of their relationship.
- 🔄 Gilot's later marriage to Jonas Salk and her continued artistic production reflect her commitment to her craft and her ability to adapt and evolve as an artist.
Q & A
What was Françoise Gilot's initial desire to become as a child?
-Françoise Gilot initially wanted to become a painter like other children, showing an early interest in art.
How did Françoise Gilot's mother influence her artistic pursuits?
-Françoise's mother was a good watercolorist and ceramist, and had studied art history, which greatly influenced Françoise's interest in becoming an artist.
What was the expectation of Françoise's father regarding her education and career?
-Françoise's father wanted her to go to law school, following a normal course of study, even though he recognized her artistic talent.
How did the war years impact Françoise Gilot's decision to fully commit to painting?
-The war and the German occupation influenced Françoise to decide to do what she wanted, realizing that life is uncertain and one should pursue their passions.
What was the nature of the relationship between Françoise Gilot and Pablo Picasso?
-Françoise Gilot and Pablo Picasso had a complex relationship that was centered around their shared passion for painting, with Françoise learning a lot from Picasso in terms of work ethic and concentration.
How did Françoise Gilot view her own evolution as a painter in relation to her association with Picasso?
-Françoise considered her relationship with Picasso as more of a learning experience rather than a shadow over her artistic growth, as they belonged to different generations and she had her own path ahead of her.
What was the impact of the war on Françoise Gilot's artwork?
-During the war, Françoise Gilot's paintings became less colorful and more somber, reflecting the tragic times and the symbolic nature of her work.
How did Françoise Gilot ensure that her paintings were not directly influenced by Picasso's style?
-Françoise Gilot admired Picasso as a great painter but sought to have her own unique style, looking up to other mentors in Modern Art such as Matisse and Georgia O'Keeffe.
What was the significance of the cherries in Picasso's paintings after meeting Françoise Gilot?
-The cherries in Picasso's paintings became a symbol of the moment they met and the connection they shared, often appearing in his works from that time onward.
How did Françoise Gilot's relationship with her father influence her approach to her relationship with Picasso?
-Françoise's father taught her to be independent and have discussions, which helped her maintain a strong sense of self in her relationship with Picasso, ensuring that she was not overshadowed by his presence.
Outlines
🎨 Artistic Roots and Family Influence
The speaker discusses their early life in Paris and the artistic influence of their family, particularly their mother who was a talented watercolorist and ceramist. Despite their father's preference for them to pursue law, the speaker's passion for painting was undeniable. Their family was supportive and believed in multiple talents, but not in art as a profession. The speaker's father was a mentor, emphasizing the need for greatness in the arts, leading the speaker to confirm their artistic calling by age 21.
🌏 War, Life's Fragility, and Artistic Expression
The speaker reflects on the impact of World War II and the German occupation of Paris on their life and art. They decided to pursue their passion fully, embracing the uncertainty of life. The speaker's first exhibition in 1943 was influenced by the war, with symbolic works that avoided Nazi censorship. They discuss the tragic losses of friends and the profound effect the war had on their generation, including their own maturation and the desire to leave a legacy despite the looming threat of death.
🖌️ Influences and Artistic Development
The speaker talks about their artistic development, influenced by modern artists like Matisse and Picasso. They were drawn to the works of these artists for their expression and minimalism. The speaker also discusses their relationship with Picasso, noting that while they admired his work, they did not see him as a direct influence on their style. Instead, they focused on creating their own unique expressionistic and meditative art, influenced more by their mentors in modern art.
💬 Encounters with Matisse and Picasso
The speaker recounts personal encounters with both Matisse and Picasso. They share anecdotes about discussions on painting, the symbolic language of art, and the influence these masters had on their own work. The speaker also discusses the dynamics of their relationships with these artists, highlighting the mutual respect and dialogue they shared. There's a particular focus on the story of a debate between Matisse and Picasso over an armchair, showing the depth of their engagement with each other's work.
🌈 Evolution of Style and Relationship with Picasso
The speaker delves into their personal and artistic evolution, particularly in relation to Picasso. They discuss how their relationship was not a shadow but a learning experience, focusing on work ethic and concentration rather than style. The speaker also talks about the influence of their relationship on their art, the recognition they received from their peers, and the critique and dialogue they had with Picasso about their work. The narrative touches on the complexity of their relationship and the speaker's independent spirit.
💔 Break from Picasso and Personal Strength
The speaker describes the reasons and emotions behind their decision to leave Picasso. They discuss the importance of freedom and equality in their relationship, the impact of having children, and the need for a change in their dynamic. The speaker also shares their father's influence on this decision, his support, and the finality of their separation. They reflect on their personal growth and the strength required to make such a significant choice.
🌟 Life After Picasso and New Relationships
The speaker talks about their life after leaving Picasso, including their marriage to Luke Simon, a painter with whom they had a daughter. They discuss the challenges of their relationship due to differing artistic visions and the eventual divorce. The speaker also shares their experiences living between Paris and the United States, their continuous painting, and the evolution of their artistic style over the years.
💌 Meeting Jonas Salk and a New Chapter
The speaker narrates the unexpected encounter with Jonas Salk, the renowned scientist. Despite initial reluctance to engage with scientists, the speaker finds common ground with Salk, leading to a whirlwind romance and marriage. They discuss their unique pre-marital agreement, their mutual respect for each other's independence, and the balanced partnership they built, which lasted until Salk's death.
🌈 Continuing Passion for Art and Life Reflections
The speaker shares their unwavering dedication to art, even after the loss of Jonas Salk. They discuss the physical and emotional aspects of painting and the challenges of returning to their craft after Salk's death. The speaker reflects on their life journey, the accomplishments they are proud of, and the continuous evolution of their artistic style. They also address the impact of their association with Picasso on their reputation and artistic identity.
🌟 Personal Growth and Artistic Legacy
The speaker concludes with thoughts on personal growth, the trajectory of their life, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. They discuss the importance of staying true to oneself, the influence of experiences and genes on one's path, and the satisfaction they derive from their extensive body of work. The speaker also reflects on the relationships they had with significant figures in their life, including Picasso, and their stance on being recognized for their own artistic merits.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Francoise Gilot
💡Pablo Picasso
💡Artistic Influence
💡Family
💡Paris
💡World War II
💡Painting
💡Self-Discovery
💡Cubism
💡Matisse
💡Jonas Salk
Highlights
Francoise Gilot's early life in Paris and her family's influence on her becoming a painter.
Gilot's mother was a talented watercolorist and studied art history, while her father was a businessman with a literary background.
Gilot's father wanted her to go to law school, but she pursued painting with his support and understanding.
Gilot's philosophy on art is that one must be born with artistic talent, and if not, one should consider another profession.
Gilot's confidence in her abilities and her father's mentorship played a significant role in her development as an artist.
Gilot's first exhibition took place in 1943, during the German occupation of Paris, which influenced her work symbolically.
Gilot met Pablo Picasso in 1943 at a restaurant, leading to a significant relationship and artistic collaboration.
Gilot's work became less colorful and more minimalist during the war, influenced by artists like Matisse and Georges Braque.
Gilot's relationship with Picasso was both personal and professional, with a focus on their shared passion for painting.
Gilot's approach to painting involves expressing emotions through symbols and visual metaphors.
Gilot's experiences during the war and her relationship with Picasso shaped her as an artist and a person.
Gilot's decision to leave Picasso was influenced by her desire for independence and the changing nature of their relationship.
Gilot's father played a crucial role in her decision to leave Picasso, as he recognized the deteriorating situation.
Gilot's marriage to Jonas Salk and her continued artistic pursuits after leaving Picasso.
Gilot's reflections on her life, her artistic evolution, and the influence of the people around her.
Gilot's views on the relationship between science and art, and the common ground she found with Jonas Salk.