Composition 1948

This is ‘Composition’, made by Pablo Picasso in 1947, and it looks like it was made with crayons. The colours are all separate, but they sing together, like a choir. I think this is such a playful piece; it makes me want to experiment and not worry about the outcome. The linear quality of the marks is so interesting here. Each line feels like a decision, not laboured over, but carefully considered. Look at how he’s built up these forms with simple outlines, like a child’s drawing, but with a master’s understanding of space and form. It's like a game of connect-the-dots, but the dots are emotional cues that lead you through the composition. Looking at this, I’m reminded of Joan Miró. Both artists share a similar sense of freedom and experimentation. Just as with any great work of art, you can see how ‘Composition’ celebrates the joy of seeing, thinking and feeling in new ways. It's an invitation to play.