Meaning: This quote by Pablo Picasso captures the sentiment of many artists who struggle with the idea of finishing their work. Picasso, a renowned Spanish painter and sculptor, was a pioneer of the Cubist movement and is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His words reflect a profound insight into the creative process and the often complex relationship between an artist and their work.

In the quote, Picasso questions the notion of "finishing" a work of art, particularly a picture. He dismisses the idea as "nonsense," suggesting that the concept of finishing a piece is flawed and limiting. His use of the word "nonsense" immediately challenges the conventional wisdom that a work of art must have a definitive end point. Instead, he implies that the act of finishing a work is detrimental, as it signifies the end of the creative journey and the stifling of the artwork's essence.

Picasso's assertion that finishing a work means to "be through with it" highlights the finality and sense of closure that comes with completing a piece. He suggests that this act of finality is akin to "killing" the work, implying that the artist's creative energy and the artwork's spirit are extinguished in the process. By using the term "rid it of its soul," Picasso underscores the idea that finishing a work strips it of its vitality and unique character, reducing it to a lifeless object devoid of its original creative energy.

Furthermore, Picasso's reference to giving the work "its final blow" or "coup de grace" emphasizes the destructive nature of finishing a piece. The phrase "coup de grace" originally referred to a merciful blow to end the suffering of a mortally wounded person or animal, and Picasso's use of this term in the context of art suggests that the act of finishing a work is a mercy killing, putting an end to the work's existence rather than allowing it to evolve and thrive.

Picasso's viewpoint challenges the traditional understanding of artistic creation as a linear process with a clear endpoint. Instead, his words suggest that art is an ongoing, ever-evolving journey, and that the concept of "finishing" a work is antithetical to the true nature of creativity. For Picasso, the act of creating art is not about reaching a definitive conclusion, but rather about constant exploration, experimentation, and growth.

In the context of Picasso's own artistic practice, this quote sheds light on his unconventional and boundary-pushing approach to art-making. Throughout his career, Picasso was known for constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, challenging established norms, and reinventing his style. His rejection of the idea of finishing a work aligns with his reputation as an artist who was unafraid to defy conventions and continuously push the limits of his own creativity.

In conclusion, Pablo Picasso's quote about finishing a work encapsulates the complex and nuanced relationship between an artist and their creation. By questioning the notion of finishing a work and highlighting its potentially detrimental effects, Picasso challenges traditional ideas about the creative process and underscores the ongoing, fluid nature of artistic expression. His words invite us to reconsider our understanding of art-making as a journey rather than a destination, and to embrace the infinite possibilities that come with allowing a work to evolve and flourish without the constraints of a definitive endpoint.