MIDDLEBURY — Pablo Picasso is one of the most recognized names in art history, his image and his art are everywhere, yet few know the remarkable story of his rise to greatness. “Young Picasso,” part of Town Hall Theater’s Great  Art Wednesdays series, takes an in-depth look at the journey of Picasso’s life and traces his path to genius, and will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
This detective story looks in detail at the elements that drove one small boy from southern Spain to such heights. Three cities play a key role: Málaga, Barcelona and Paris. “Young Picasso” explores each city and illustrates why they were so significant.
In close collaboration with five major European museums, the film offers unique insight into the artist’s masterpieces at each institution, as well as additional commentary from historians, curators, letters from friends and lovers, and Picasso’s grandson Olivier Widmaier Picasso.
This carefully crafted documentary, filmed over two years, includes two critical periods in Picasso’s life — the “Blue” and “Pink Periods” — but does not overlook the years before those which are, though much less well-known, absolutely formative.  “Young Picasso” culminates in New York, at the Museum of Modern Art where one of Picasso’s works has been on permanent display since the 1930s:  “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” Painted by Picasso when he was just 25 years old, the painting is now considered ground-breaking yet at the time it was scorned and rejected.
Malén Gual, Senior Curator at Museu Picasso de Barcelona comments:
“This film brilliantly shows what a solid artistic training Picasso had and what remarkable paintings he produced from an early age.  I have worked for decades on Picasso and I was so impressed and excited by seeing his works — and the whole thrilling story — revealed on the big screen.”
See the show for yourself at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Feb 13. Tickets are $13/ $8 students (includes fees) and may be purchased at townhallteater.org, by calling (802) 382-9222, at the THT box office (Monday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m.) or at the door, if available.