Radical Picasso: The Use Value of Genius

C.F.B. Miller's book "Radical Picasso" challenges the conventional understanding of Pablo Picasso's work by presenting his practice as an assemblage that exceeds hero worship and strikes at the visual and perceptual roots of theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Pablo Picasso, a towering figure in the realm of modern art, has left an indelible mark on the concept of genius. However, the prevailing aesthetic of genius, which dominated Western art discourse between the mid-eighteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, has also shaped our interpretation of Picasso's remarkable body of work. In his groundbreaking book, Radical Picasso, C.F.B. Miller challenges the privatized clichés that have dominated the reception of modernism's most celebrated masterpiece. Instead, Miller presents Picasso's practice as an intricate assemblage, brimming with density, agitation, negativity, and excess that defies containment within the realms of hero worship or its inverse. The artworks in question are truly radical, as they delve into the very foundations of theory and aesthetics, challenging our perceptual understanding of European modernism.

Spanning across the histories of art, literature, philosophy, and science, Miller employs a critical lens to critique the Picasso myth, reexamine cubism and surrealism, and ultimately reshape our comprehension of European modernism. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Miller unveils the complexities and contradictions within Picasso's artistic journey, shedding light on the ways in which he pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and expanded the horizons of artistic possibilities.

Radical Picasso is a transformative work that invites readers to engage with Picasso's art on a deeper level, challenging preconceived notions and revealing the rich tapestry of his artistic legacy. It is a testament to Miller's scholarly expertise and his ability to unravel the complexities of artistic movements, providing a fresh perspective on one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a scholar, or simply someone seeking to expand your understanding of the world, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art and ideas of Pablo Picasso.

Weight: 1026g
Dimension: 270 x 187 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520290143