No One Was “Picasso’s Woman”
South Africa axes a performance about the genocide in Gaza, the real lives of the women who loved Picasso, the imaginative worlds of Rousseau, and Beer With a Painter.
As an editor, you learn to pay attention to the nuances of language. How we phrase something can speak volumes about our perspectives. Some words are fine in one context, but in another they might be detrimental. "Victim" is an example — who wants “victimhood” to encompass their whole person? And possessives are a minefield of power relationships; for instance, a person experiencing mistreatment at the hands of a partner should be defined by neither the treatment nor the tormenter (who, most often, deserves that title).
Our review today of Sue Roe's new book Hidden Portraits: Six Women Who Shaped Picasso’s Life bears witness to this intertwining of language and violence. As it attempts to tell the stories of the individual women who played significant roles in the artist’s life as wives and companions, the book reminds readers of their independence as people and artists themselves. But more than that, it draws attention to how these women are too often thought of as “Picasso’s women,” when they were no one’s belongings, and who they were beyond their identities as muses and confidants to the famously misogynistic and abusive art icon. No matter how much you’ve already read about Picasso, don’t miss Bridget Quinn's review of this book. They are not about him.
—Natalie Haddad, reviews editor
The Women Who Were More Than Just Picasso’s Loves
Sue Roe examines the lives of six women who played major roles in Picasso's life. While her book could be more complex, its thorough research and history offer a much-needed response to the millions (or more) words that have been written about Picasso.
As Bridget Quinn writes, just in case you were wondering, "Those women were, by the way: Fernande Olivier, Olga Khokhlova, Marie-Thérèse Walter, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, and Jacqueline Roque."
News
- South Africa has scrapped a performance centering Israel's genocide in Gaza planned for the country's 2026 Venice Biennale pavilion. The decision was reportedly made by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture's right-wing minister, Gayton McKenzie.
- Trump withdraws from two important international cultural heritage preservation and arts policy groups as the White House deems them “contrary to the interests of the United States.”
Sandcastles Tells the Tale of Two Singapores
The new short from documentary filmmaker and multimedia journalist Carin Leong explores the transient nature of humankind’s existence through sand.
From Our Critics
Uncovering the Secrets of Henri Rousseau’s Paintings
A new exhibition freshly contextualizes many artworks in the light of his personal story, while conservators conducted revelatory technical studies. | Judith Stein
There’s More to Look at Than Learn in 100 Nights of Hero
The film faithfully translates the feminist commentary of Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel while deemphasizing its more complex narrative techniques. | Dan Schindel
Reach New Creative Heights at SVA Continuing Education
The School of Visual Arts in NYC offers more than 200 in-person and online courses, along with 10+ artist residency programs.
Beer With a Painter: Michael Berryhill
Jennifer Samet talks to Michael Berryhill about art school, advertising, and much more in her fan-favorite column. Berryhill explains, "I believe in making work for the society you dream of." I'll drink to that.
Member Comment
Steve Liggett on Rhea Nayyar's "Artists React to the ICE Killing of Renee Nicole Good":
From the Archive
Picasso Museum Is Showing Françoise Gilot’s Work, Finally
The prolific painter who died last June at the age of 101 forged a path of success despite Picasso's attempts to destroy her career. | Rhea Nayyar
MFA, MA, and PhD Programs to Apply for by Early 2026
A list of arts-related graduate programs to explore and apply to before deadlines close.
