Meaning: Pablo Picasso's quote, "I have a horror of people who speak about the beautiful. What is the beautiful? One must speak of problems in painting!" reflects his disdain for the conventional and the superficial in art. Picasso was a revolutionary artist who played a pivotal role in the development of modern art, particularly through his role in the creation of Cubism. His work challenged traditional artistic norms and emphasized the importance of exploring deeper, more complex concepts in art.

In this quote, Picasso expresses his aversion to those who focus solely on the concept of beauty in art. He questions the very nature of beauty and suggests that it is not a sufficient or meaningful topic for discussion in the context of painting. Instead, he advocates for a focus on "problems in painting," indicating a preference for engaging with the technical and conceptual challenges that arise in the process of creating art.

Picasso's statement can be understood in the context of his own artistic philosophy and the broader artistic movements of his time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists were increasingly moving away from traditional representations of beauty and exploring new forms of expression. Picasso and other avant-garde artists sought to push the boundaries of art, challenging established notions of beauty and representation.

For Picasso, the "problems in painting" likely refer to the formal and conceptual challenges that artists face in their work. These might include questions of composition, perspective, color, and representation, as well as broader philosophical and thematic concerns. By emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges, Picasso encourages a deeper engagement with the complexities of art and a rejection of superficial or decorative approaches.

This quote also reveals Picasso's inclination towards intellectual and conceptual rigor in art. Rather than focusing on superficial aesthetics, he urges artists and critics to grapple with the deeper issues and complexities inherent in the practice of painting. This aligns with the ethos of Cubism, the movement for which Picasso is best known, which sought to depict the multidimensional nature of reality through fragmented forms and multiple perspectives.

In conclusion, Pablo Picasso's quote encapsulates his rejection of the conventional focus on beauty in art and his advocacy for a more rigorous and intellectually engaging approach to painting. By emphasizing the importance of addressing "problems in painting," Picasso challenges artists and viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of artistic expression and to move beyond simplistic notions of beauty. This quote serves as a reminder of Picasso's revolutionary spirit and his enduring impact on the development of modern art.