Analysis Of The Untitled Picasso At Daley Plaza

The untitled Picasso at Daley Plaza is the iconic symbol of Chicago to the rest of the world, but Pablo Picasso himself never visited Chicago. While Picasso seemed pleased to gift Chicago with artwork as he was also doing a piece for another “gangster city,” Marseille, France, all else is shrouded in mystery. Any analysis needs to consider that there can be no definitive conclusions; only suppositions about the true meaning of this work. The “abstract form” of the untitled Picasso will always provoke more questions than answers since Picasso left the concept and his motivations unclear, possibly to keep viewers intrigued. The important visual elements of the Picasso are the curved lines and diagonal angles of the sculpture; the straight
Emphasis does not seem to be a major element; one is drawn to the sculpture and finds new and interesting facets in its complexity. Pattern could be that everything drawn into the composition is symmetrical and all that surrounds the sculpture is straight lined and squared off, like a foil for her beauty. The sculpture is proportionate to the elements that surround it and that imbues a sense of unity and harmony over the whole composition of space and area that work well together and is pleasing to the eye. The media of metal against concrete enhances the overall effect of strength, industry and pride. The Picasso is like an old friend. Taken separately, its parts are plain, even ugly, but her overall effect is stunning and she surprises the viewer again and again. She grows on one and becomes beautiful over time. Coming up out of the dark of the el and into the light of the plaza, she is a beacon that welcomes us home to Chicago, whether we are living in the suburbs or coming in from an airport. She never fails to