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About this quote

What does it mean?
Picasso contrasts two types of painters: those who merely copy reality and those who elevate simple elements into something profound.
In plain terms
Good artists turn small details into great images while others just copy reality.
What can you take from it?
Use intelligence to transform simple inputs into profound outputs.

Where it applies

  • artistic creation
  • design
  • communication

Putting it to work

  • focus on essence
  • elevate mundane details
  • use imagination

Questions to consider

  • How do you transform simple inputs into value?
  • What makes a representation great?

Another view

Copying reality has value for documentation and learning.

More from Pablo Picasso

  1. I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else.

    Permalink to quote #53
  2. Give me a museum and I'll fill it.

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. Nature does many things the way I do, but she hides them!

    Permalink to quote #52

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