Today in history: Picasso is born

While some may dismiss the importance of art in favor of more conventional or practical mediums, the role art has had in shaping the perspectives, imaginations and understandings of people all over the world is perhaps just as profound as that of any historic text or scientific innovation.

Pablo Picasso, who was born on this day, October 25 in 1881, lent one of the largest hands in changing the way people view the world through art. His artistic accomplishments and unique perspectives impacted not only history, but also the world we live in today. Through his craft, he taught us to see past the images directly in front of us and to explore as many angles as possible.

When Picasso was 14 years old studying at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, he itched to paint images outside of reality. As he attempted to reproduce classic paintings and sculptures, he longed to set his imagination - and paintbrush - free and let them work to transform the canvas.

This ambition and independence led him to explore unique ways of painting that had never before been considered in the realm of art. His strange and enticing style of painting portrayed powerful messages about love, peace and the conventions or restrictions of society.

Eventually, Picasso went on to develop Cubism, one of the most important techniques of modern art. Picasso worked with Georges Braque to create a form of art that would inspire people to view the world in a different light. After all, what's art if not a medium to inspire unique perspectives and universal empathy?

Picasso's road to Cubism began with "Les Demoiselles D'Avignon," one of his largest paintings that featured five women, each of whose head appeared to rest backwards upon her body. These ugly, distorted women on the canvas sparked outrage and controversy among the masses, who argued that realistic portrayals are more professional and tasteful than Picasso's apparent mockery of art itself. However, by breaking the rules of convention with his Cubism, Picasso proved that art can display so much more than basic depictions. By using his newly coveted technique, Picasso provided the viewer with an opportunity to explore beyond what meets the eye.

As Picasso continued with his modern art, his subjects, in addition to his style, differed from those of other artists at the time. Rather than limiting his art to mirror or express his personal experiences and emotions, he dared to incorporate the happenings of the world outside of his own particular time and place. He used his art to reflect on war, peace and politics in a way that enabled people to open their eyes and gain new insight to such prevalent topics.



Thanks to Picasso, we have iconic museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan which showcase the art movement that Picasso helped to spearhead. Thanks to his creativity and ability to see beyond the capabilities of the naked eye, Picasso made art more than a visual entity. He created a new, expressive form of art that's come extraordinarily far and influenced many throughout the years.

PHOTOS: See Picasso's life and most iconic paintings

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