Picasso's paintings were filled with geometric shapes, figures were painted as triangles and squares. Part of his influence came from the native arts of Africa and the Americas. Collecting native art was envogue in Paris during this time and tribal art became one of Picasso's main influences. The influence of native art in Picasso's work is evident in his use of geometric forms. Native art was unlike other art forms that existed in the world.
Geometry is a dominant characteristic of native art forms.
Abstract geometric forms are found in native painting, sculpture and architecture. Picasso was very interested in these geometric shapes, and the simplification of forms. Picasso was attempting to create an intellectual art form that went beyond aesthetics, when he began to work towards Cubism. The influence of native art on the work of Picasso and other twentieth century artists not only changed the look of twentieth century art, it also impacted the attitudes held by Europeans towards the native arts. Native art had been viewed much the same way as the natives themselves, since the Age of Discovery.