Women of Algiers

Years in the making, Myatt has utterly immersed himself in the life and mind of Picasso to interpret some of the most seminal works from the artist who redefined art as we know it.

Capturing his revolutionary spirit and masterful methods, Myatt has portrayed works from the distinct chapters of Picasso’s career, including his Blue, Rose, Cubist and Surrealist periods.

Each period is marked by significant stylistic and thematic shifts, creating a narrative that reflects the evolution of twentieth-century art. Myatt has devotedly sought to represent the works with the spirit Picasso would have originally intended, to honour the profound connection between Picasso’s life and work.

“There are just a few artists who are born with a level of skill that it takes others decades of hard work to achieve. Picasso was one of those. And when you can do anything in art, what do you do? You either turn out dazzling displays of technical virtuosity time and time again or challenge your own skills by seeking to redefine the very nature of art itself. That was what Picasso attempted and achieved.” – John Myatt

This artwork is based on Picasso's "Women in Algiers", 1955. In this striking piece, Picasso masterfully distorts the forms of the women in the foreground, presenting them in dynamic and impossible contortions that reveal both front and back views simultaneously. This emphasis on the odalisque reflects Picasso's admiration for Henri Matisse, a master of depicting women adorned in exotic costumes. Inspired by Matisse's recent passing, Picasso delves into this theme with a fresh perspective.

The artwork also resonates with the geopolitical climate of the time, capturing the tension of the uprising in Algeria, which would ultimately lead to the country's independence.

You can read more about the collection here or find out more about John Myatt here.