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Diana Widmaier Picasso, granddaughter of famed Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, is an acclaimed French jewelry designer known for bringing art history into wearable art. As both an art historian and jewelry designer, she expertly merges these two worlds by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces inspired by famous artworks.
Diana was born in Paris, France in 1953 to the son of Pablo Picasso, and she grew up surrounded by world-renowned art and artists. After studying art history and literature, she worked at the Picasso Administration managing the rights to her grandfather’s works before discovering her passion for jewelry design. She debuted her first jewelry collection in the 1990s based on Picasso’s artwork, combining her art history background with expert craftsmanship.
Over her decades-long career, Diana has designed jewelry collections inspired by works from legendary artists like her grandfather, Matisse, Calder and Monet. Her avant-garde designs bridge past and present, transforming iconic elements of famous artworks into wearable sculptural jewelry. Diana’s unique ability to merge art history references with innovative jewelry design has made her highly influential in the world of jewelry and fashion.
Early Life and Family
Diana Widmaier Picasso was born on May 19, 1953 in Paris, France. She is the only daughter of artist Marie-Thérèse Walter and Pablo Picasso. Though her parents never married, she grew up as part of an unconventional, extended family within the Picasso household.
Growing up, she was deeply influenced by her father Pablo Picasso’s legacy as an artistic master of the 20th century. Picasso’s renown as a painter, sculptor, printmaker and ceramist shaped her early years. Some of her most treasured childhood memories involved observing her father at work in the studio or seeing his latest creations unveiled.
Though Diana did not follow in his exact footsteps as a fine artist, she absorbed his creative spirit. “As a little girl, I watched my father work and was fascinated by the way he was able to transform materials into finished pieces of art,” she recalled in an interview.
The Picasso name carried both privilege and high expectations. Diana grew up amidst an illustrious extended family tree that included her stepmother Jacqueline Roque and half-siblings including Paloma Picasso. Her existence was not publicized, as she was born from Pablo’s secret affair with Marie-Thérèse during his marriage to Olga Khokhlova. As she matured, Diana sought to establish her own identity beyond simply being Pablo Picasso’s daughter.
Education
Diana Widmaier Picasso pursued her passion for art history while attending the Sorbonne in Paris. She focused her studies on the discipline of art history, spending long hours in the library poring over texts about art and artists. Her hard work paid off when she was accepted to Cambridge University in England for graduate studies.
At Cambridge, Diana wrote her thesis on Pablo Picasso’s sculptures. She took a deep dive into analyzing his Cubist sculptures completed between 1909 to 1914. This time period marked a radical shift in Picasso’s style to abstract, geometric forms. Diana’s thesis brought new understanding about the inspiration behind Picasso’s sculptural works during the birth of Cubism. She benefited greatly from the guidance of her thesis advisor, renowned art historian John Golding. His expertise in Cubism proved invaluable in shaping Diana’s perspective.
Through her graduate studies, Diana gained an intimate knowledge about Pablo Picasso’s oeuvre. Her academic research helped lay the foundation for her future career revolving around the Picasso family legacy. Diana’s education enabled her to merge art history scholarship with her creative talents.
Career Beginnings
Born into one of the most famous artistic families, Diana initially pursued a career as an art historian like her mother. After graduating with a master’s degree in art history, Diana started working for art galleries and auction houses like Sotheby’s. She assisted in cataloging Picasso works and helped organize exhibitions. This gave her an intimate understanding of her grandfather’s creative process and artworks.
Though appreciating art history, Diana felt limited and craved more hands-on artistic expression. She took jewelry making classes and found her calling. Diana felt jewelry perfectly blended her art historical knowledge with a creative outlet. She enjoyed the tactile aspect of handling precious metals and gems to craft wearable mini sculptures.
In the 1990s, Diana started designing her own jewelry line. Her pieces demonstrated a deep understanding of periods like Cubism and Surrealism. She often incorporated motifs and techniques inspired by her grandfather but made them fresh and innovative. For example, she might use rotated and fragmented shapes influenced by Picasso’s cubist portraits. Diana also displayed a playful spirit by making movable parts and surprises within her jewelry based on Picasso’s explorations of motion and change.
Jewelry Design Style
Diana Picasso’s jewelry often incorporates and reinterprets iconic motifs, images, and themes from art history. As the granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, she was immersed in art from an early age. This influence manifests in her jewelry through the use of signature shapes and symbols from major artists.
For example, Picasso has created a collection of jewelry inspired by her grandfather’s cubist paintings. Geometric shapes, abstract faces, and fragmented planes are rendered with precious metals and gemstones. Other pieces feature silhouettes of famous Picasso paintings like women or bulls. These instantly recognizable motifs introduce an element of surrealism and playfulness.
Beyond Picasso’s works, Diana also produces jewelry based on other modernists like Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, and Alberto Giacometti. Their trademark styles have been adapted into pendant necklaces, cufflinks, rings, and more. Historical periods also serve as inspiration, with collections based on Baroque imagery, Egyptian antiquities, and the Italian Renaissance.
In terms of materials and techniques, Picasso often utilizes unusual or innovative processes. Her Nature collection incorporates natural objects like coral branches, pebbles, twigs, and pressed flowers preserved under crystal. Technology also enables her to render life-like details. Sculptural insects, flowers, or faces are realistically molded and cast in silver or gold. Some pieces contain moving parts for added whimsy.
By merging art historical references with fine jewelry techniques, Diana Picasso creates imaginative and covetable designs. Her creative reworking of iconic images results in accessories that function as wearable art. Clients can appreciate the depth of art historical significance while enjoying jewelry of the highest craftsmanship. Each piece forms a contemporary interpretation of timeless motifs.
Notable Commissions and Collections
Diana Widmaier Picasso has created iconic jewelry collections and designs for major brands and exhibits over her decades-long career. Some highlights include:
– Designing the jewelry line “Les Ballerines” for the luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels. This delicate collection featured ballerina-inspired motifs like silk ribbons, tutus, and ballet slippers rendered in gold and gemstones. It was critically acclaimed when launched in 2010.
– Creating unique “Alice” themed jewelry based on Lewis Carroll’s classic story for a special exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Her whimsical bracelets, rings, and necklaces featured elements like chess pieces, flowers, hats, and pocket watches.
– Developing collections inspired by some of her grandfather Pablo Picasso’s famous artworks, including stylized takes on his owls, doves, and signature facial profiles. These were produced in collaboration with the Picasso Administration.
– Designing the “Khepri” collection for Louis Vuitton, influencing by sacred Egyptian scarab beetles. These bold golden pieces incorporated lapis lazuli, turquoise, and other colorful gems.
– Producing jewelry lines for the French brand Mauboussin in the 1990s and early 2000s that exemplified her nature-inspired aesthetic with organic shapes.
– Creating unique jeweled eggs as an homage to the renowned Fabergé eggs for Fabergé’s 150th anniversary. Hers incorporated vivid enamel detailing.
– Having her work featured in exhibits at institutions like the Musée Picasso in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Through these sought-after collaborations and collections, Diana Widmaier Picasso has cemented her reputation for imaginative high jewelry design inspired by art, nature, literature, and her family’s storied heritage. Her avant-garde creations are represented in major museum and brand collections around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Diana Widmaier Picasso has had a significant impact by merging art history and jewelry design in her work. As the granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, she has helped preserve his legacy and bring his art to new audiences through her jewelry collections based on his paintings.
Some of her most notable work includes the “Picasso’s Women” collection which featured jewelry based on female subjects in Picasso’s paintings. She brought figures like Olga and Marie-Thérèse to life in wearable art. Her use of materials like enamel and gemstones evoked a tactile, sensory experience that connected back to Picasso’s artistic vision.
By translating Picasso’s 2D paintings into 3D jewelry, Diana created a new way for people to interact with and appreciate his art. Her designs provide a tangible, intimate way for wearers to feel connected to Picasso’s creative genius. The jewelry also helps share Picasso’s work with younger generations in a format that feels contemporary and approachable.
Beyond preserving her grandfather’s legacy, Diana has also had a wider influence in the world of jewelry design. She has helped elevate jewelry from purely decorative to works of art that tell a story and evoke emotion. Her unique background and eye for translating art into wearable pieces has inspired other designers to push creative boundaries. She has proven that fine jewelry does not have to just focus on monetary value, but can be appreciated for craftsmanship and artistic quality.
Overall, Diana Widmaier Picasso has made an important impact by seamlessly merging fine art and jewelry design. Through her culturally significant work preserving Picasso’s legacy, and influencing the world of jewelry design, she has ensured that Picasso remains relevant, admired, and understood for new audiences. Her unique eye and innovative approach will continue inspiring both artists and jewelry designers alike.
Exhibitions and Honors
Diana Widmaier Picasso’s jewelry designs have been featured in exhibitions around the world, giving her international acclaim. Some of her major exhibitions include:
– Jewelry by Artists: The Daphne Farago Collection (2011) at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – This exhibit featured over 70 pieces from Diana’s jewelry collection, alongside other artist-made jewelry. It demonstrated her evolution as a jewelry designer.
– Picasso: Father and Son (2018) at the Museu Picasso in Barcelona – This show juxtaposed Pablo and Diana’s artworks, establishing her as an artist in her own right. Her jewelry was displayed alongside Pablo’s paintings and ceramics.
– Diana Widmaier Picasso: Gems (2019) at the Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg – Spanning Diana’s 30-year career, this retrospective was the first devoted solely to her jewelry. It solidified her reputation in the art jewelry world.
Diana’s signature jewelry pieces integrating famous Picasso motifs have received critical acclaim. She won the prestigious International Design Award in 2007 for her collaboration with Swiss watch brand Swatch.
In 2017, Diana was awarded the Joaillerie de l’Année prize by Le Monde and Le Figaro newspapers. She is frequently invited as a guest of honor to jewelry industry events worldwide.
By merging her family’s artistic legacy with contemporary jewelry design, Diana has earned respect as an artist inspired by Picasso rather than simply living in his shadow. Her exhibitions have played a key role in establishing her own unique identity.
Personal Life
Marriage and family
Diana met her future husband, French investment banker Eric Widmaier, in Geneva in 1975, while she was studying at the Geneva School of Fine Arts. They married in 1979 and have two children together, Olivier and Laurent. While raising her children and managing multiple homes, Diana remained committed to pursuing her passions in art and design.
Homes and Residences
Diana divides her time between multiple luxurious homes and properties. She has an apartment on the prestigious Place des Vosges in Paris, as well as a historic villa in Cap d’Antibes on the French Riviera. Diana also owns an estate in Megève in the French Alps. Her various residences allow her to find inspiration from different environments.
Other Interests and Pursuits
In addition to her professional jewelry design and art curation, Diana has a range of personal pursuits. She enjoys skiing and sports, especially tennis, which she plays competitively. Diana is an avid traveler who visits art galleries and museums when traveling globally. She also has a passion for opera and is a member of the board of the Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival. Diana is known for hosting elegant dinner parties at her homes, bringing together friends from the worlds of art, business, and society.
Conclusion
Diana Widmaier Picasso has made a significant impact in the worlds of art history and jewelry design. As the granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, she was immersed in art from an early age but forged her own path by becoming an accomplished jewelry designer. Her designs skillfully merge modernist abstraction and surrealist motifs with luxurious materials like gold and gems. She has created iconic jewelry collections for renowned brands like Tiffany & Co. andREPOSSI, which are featured in museums and coveted by celebrities and style icons.
Looking ahead, Diana Widmaier Picasso plans to continue innovating in jewelry design and expanding her DISA line. She aims to find new ways of expressing contemporary themes and feminist concepts through her avant-garde, sculptural jewelry pieces. Her unique perspective as an art historian informs her designs, which both honor her family lineage and stand on their own as works of wearable art. With future exhibitions, books, and collections in the works, Diana Widmaier Picasso’s influence at the intersection of art and jewelry design will endure for years to come. Her vision and talent have opened up the world of fine jewelry to new realms of creative expression.
