Picasso: My Grandfather
Category: Books,Arts & Photography
Picasso: My Grandfather Details
Reviews
It goes without saying that any reader of this book will feel that life was certainly not good to Marina and Pablito Picasso when they were children and teenagers. The largest portion of this seems to be attributed to their wayward mother and absent, defeated father (Picasso's eldest son, Paulo).I felt for Marina while reading this book because I believe her segment of the family was particularly affected by Picasso's actions, which was tolerated and not handled appropriately by her parents (as it appears to have been by Francoise Gilot, who took firm charge over the direction and happiness of her children by getting them away from the direct influence of the "Minotaur" as the others did not).Marina Picasso gives real insight into the idea that Picasso had a true horrific and demeaning psychic powerhold over the Olga side of the family. Which was - again - obviously allowed and even condoned by her parents, Paulo and Emilliene.No doubt Picasso was a self-absorbed man and Jacqueline exploited her position and authority over the "other" families. However, to attribute Picasso's powerhold for the direct troubles in this particular family is the pitiable part. But this was indeed their fate, or so it seems from Marina's perspective.This book is a good read and I commend Marina Picasso for this account. It does offer strong insight into the Olga side of the family, and their desire to hold onto the Picasso mystique.And it should be noted that Marina uses her "Picasso" money to help others (as with her Vietnamese foundation for orphans).