Les Demoiselles d'Avignon

By Pablo Picasso

Guide Questions:

1. What culture is the piece of art about? What did you learn about the culture from

this art?

While the painting was created in Paris, it does not specifically represent French

culture. Instead, it reflects a broader cultural shift that was taking place across Europe at the

turn of the 20th century. The painting reflects the influence of African art, which Picasso and

other modernist artists were exploring at the time. The angular, stylized forms of the women

in the painting are reminiscent of the masks and sculptures from Africa that Picasso would

have seen in the collection of the Musée d'Ethnographie du Trocadéro in Paris.

2. How did the piece of art change the ways you understand yourself and others?

Considering that the artwork is a complex work of art that can challenge traditional

ways of understanding both the human body and social relationships. By depicting the female

form in a confrontational and highly stylized manner, the painting can challenge traditional

ideas about beauty and objectification in art and society.

3. Reflecting on the example piece of art you chose, what do you think are the roles that

art plays in intercultural understanding and multicultural societies?

Art plays a critical role in promoting intercultural understanding and building bridges

between different cultures in multicultural societies. At its best, art can challenge our

assumptions and preconceptions, expand our horizons, and help us to see the world from

different perspectives.

One of the key ways that art promotes intercultural understanding is by serving as a

powerful medium for cultural exchange. Through art, we can learn about the beliefs, values,

and traditions of different cultures and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human

experience. By engaging with art from different cultures, we can also develop greater

empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds, which can help to break

down barriers and foster greater social cohesion.

In conclusion, art has the power to bring people together, to challenge our

assumptions, and to inspire us to think and act in new and transformative ways. In

multicultural societies, art can play a critical role in fostering intercultural understanding,

promoting social justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.