Picasso. Rebel in Paris

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was a titan of work and a volcano of creativity who not only blurred the distinction between art and craft, but also managed to turn an ordinary brush, watering can or bicycle into a work. He remains one of the most important and influential artists in history, the author of more than twenty thousand paintings and objects.

The film Picasso, made on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death. Simona Risi's Rebel in Paris is a portrait of a life fulfilled but also made up of contradictions — a documentary journey through years of poverty and frenzied success, light and darkness, passion and destruction, cafe bustle and political involvement.

With one suitcase, not knowing French — that's how young Pablo decided to conquer Paris. The film focuses on the years spent in a city bursting with creative energy, which became the second home of the Malaga-born painter. As a Spanish immigrant, he was in the crosshairs of the police, as an artist revolutionizing art he instantly conquered the salons. His style continued to evolve, he painted intensely and was reluctant to part with his works. “I am my best collector,” he used to say, and the 5,000 objects belonging to him today constitute the priceless collection of the Picasso Museum in Paris. The film gives us a unique opportunity to visit the great exhibition organized there on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the artist's death, the scenography of which was co-created by the famous British designer, Paul Smith.

Risi's documentary is also a portrait of a changing Paris and a panorama of the 20th century that the artist shaped, while at the same time being a penetrating chronicler of a turbulent era. From the mouth of Picasso experts and curators. The rebel in Paris deciphers the symbolism hidden in the works, explains how subsequent experiences and meetings influenced the evolution of style. But the genius also had his dark side, as evidenced by the memories of his female partners. The film story also brings a critical look at the biography and work of Pablo Picasso, reminding that often behind the spectacular career of the “great man” are forgotten or underestimated women.