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'With GUERNICA, Picasso writes our letter of doom: all that we love is going to be lost, and that is why it is necessary that we gather up all that we love, like the emotions of great farewells, in something of unforgettable beauty' Michel Leiris, French poet, after seeing the painting first displayed in June 1937
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Sunday Times
'[Martin] has produced a skilful blend of art, politics and history.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Hanging in The United Nations is a tapestry that replicates the image of the painting that is the subject of Russell Martin's book, "Picasso's War". The painting is "Guernica" that Picasso created as a response to the destruction of a small town that is of the same name but at times is also spelled "Gernika". The first bit of irony I experienced while reading this wonderful book is that the tapestry hangs in The United Nations but is covered when various topics are discussed. For instance, when Secretary of State Colin Powell recently gave his presentation to The UN on Iraq the tapestry was covered, lest any television or print cameras photograph those speaking with the tapestry as a backdrop. So firstly there is this internationally renowned anti-war symbol hung in a building that rarely averts violence or acts quickly to prevent the spread of violence. And then when the possibility of violence is discussed, the imaged is removed from view.
The second instance was a personal experience involving the author, for on the day he was in Spain viewing the original work that documented the bombing of a civilian population by airplanes; the city of New York was targeted by airplanes used as massive flying bombs. The events that took place in Spain that shared the sorrow of that day are amongst the most poignant in the book. The similarity of events also made relevant once again a quote of Picasso's, "War's end, but hostilities endure forever".
The decisions and events that lead to the targeting of a civilian population in a manner that at times bordered on sport are repulsive, but are also familiar as they were repeated so many times in the 20th Century, and virtually every other century one may care to examine. Picasso managed to place on a massive canvas images that are horrible, but in a manner that is unique and that has made the image one that has been adopted for human cruelty around the world.
Author Russell Martin has created a well crafted book that is a work of History, Politics, Art, and Sociology. It is an extremely readable book for anyone interested in 20th Century events. You don't need to be an admirer of Picasso, you can even dislike his work and it will have little impact on how much you will enjoy this book. For what the author has done is to take what has become an icon for a variety of tragic and shameful human behaviors, and trace it from it's origins to the controversial location where it resides today. Nothing about Picasso's massive work is without controversy, except for the people who stand in endless lines to view it, almost everyone else involved in its custodianship since Picasso's death has little to be proud of and much to account for.
War often can be distilled down to one group coveting that which another has, and then using escalating levels of violence to make it their own. Picasso created a documentary of the result of these human failings, and had he lived he would have seen how his work became yet another object for an elite few to argue over and covet, while the masses that he painted it for have waited for decades to even view what he created for them.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As 'Guernica' was the painting that introduced me to the works of Picasso, I was really looking forward to this book.
And it's a convincing tale well told - with such a work of art (still) inextricably linked to international politics and war (both world and civil) Russell Martin does a competent job of placing the work into the necessary socio-political context.
The illustrations don't do the painting justice - but how can you adequately illustrate Guernica in a small book anyway? Even weighty art books about the painting stuggle with this.
It's a history of 'Guernica' as symbolic art rather than an analysis of the painting per se, whereas some fans may want to know more about the creative processes behind the production of the painting.
More 'art' and a larger format may have made this a great book, but as it stands it's certainly a good book about the trials and tribulations of a great painting.
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I first picked up this book looking to reignite my old love of Picasso from my school days and was instantly captured by the first page. This book has not only allowed me to revisit my interest in art but has given me a lecture in international history, politics and society. A very readable book it will keep your attention without having to have an MA Art History. I thoroughly loved reading every page of this book and have developed a great interest in knowing more about spanish politics and history. Can anyone recommend any further reading for me??
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fascinating story of a masterpiece
As all the reviews have said, this is a fascinating story of a masterpiece. The Spanish Civil War and Picasso's life are well explainedto put the story of the painting itself into... Read more
Published on 28 April 2004
A picture could have saved thousands of words
This is a facinating account of one of the world's great pictures. It's an amazing story of how the power of a painting is built over time. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2004
Irony
Hanging in The United Nations is a tapestry that replicates the image of the painting that is the subject of Russell Martin's book, "Picasso's War". Read more
Published on 24 Feb 2003 by taking a rest
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