Meaning: The quote "Painting is a blind man's profession. He paints not what he sees, but what he feels, what he tells himself about what he has seen" by Pablo Picasso encapsulates the essence of artistic expression and the unique perspective that artists bring to their work. Picasso, a renowned Spanish painter, sculptor, and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, offers profound insight into the creative process and the role of interpretation in the act of painting.

In this quote, Picasso suggests that painting transcends mere visual representation and delves into the realm of emotion, intuition, and personal interpretation. The notion of "a blind man's profession" challenges the conventional understanding of painting as a visual art form. Instead, it emphasizes the idea that the act of painting is not solely dependent on sight, but rather on the artist's inner vision and emotional response to the subject matter.

By stating that the blind man "paints not what he sees, but what he feels," Picasso highlights the subjective nature of artistic creation. He emphasizes that the artist's perception of reality is not limited to literal observation but is infused with their emotional and psychological experience. The act of painting becomes a means of expressing inner truths and personal narratives, rather than a mere replication of external appearances.

Furthermore, Picasso's assertion that the blind man paints "what he tells himself about what he has seen" underscores the role of imagination and storytelling in art. The artist's interpretation of the world around them is filtered through their own consciousness and understanding. It is not a direct reflection of the external world, but a reflection of the artist's internal dialogue and personal mythology. This concept aligns with Picasso's own artistic practice, which often incorporated elements of Cubism and abstraction to convey multiple perspectives and layers of meaning.

Picasso's quote invites contemplation on the nuanced relationship between perception, reflection, and creation in the realm of art. It challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface of a painting and consider the artist's emotional and intellectual engagement with the subject matter. It also underscores the idea that art is a form of communication, where the artist's inner world is translated into visual language for the audience to interpret and engage with.

In conclusion, Picasso's quote "Painting is a blind man's profession" offers a profound perspective on the nature of artistic expression. It emphasizes the role of emotion, intuition, and personal interpretation in the act of painting, transcending the limitations of literal sight. By delving into the realm of inner vision and storytelling, Picasso's words resonate with the enduring power of art to convey profound truths and evoke emotional resonance in the viewer.