Picassos Collection of African and Oceanic Art: Masters of Metamorphosis
by Peter Stepan
Category: Art

Picasso's unique non-western art collection, now largely the property of the Picasso family, is presented here for the first time. This book provides a full documentation of Picasso's African, Melanesian, Polynesian, and Indonesian works, as well as an ethnographical description of each object. The interpretation of the collection as a whole, its physiognomy and poetry, sheds new light on the fascination non-western art held for the twentieth century's most important artist. For the first time, all Africa-related activities in Picasso's life, including correspondence with friends, writers, and art dealers, are presented in a coherent timeline. "Picasso and the African Experience: A Chronology," simultaneously a reference for future interpretations on Picasso's oeuvre, documents the deep, personal involvement of the artist with African and Oceanic art and culture.