Art Quote by Pablo Picasso
“Museums are just a lot of lies, and the people who make art their business are mostly imposters. We have infected the pictures in museums with all our stupidities, all our mistakes, all our poverty of spirit. We have turned them into petty and ridiculous things.”
About This Quote
Source Essay or interview, unknown source
The speaker criticizes museums and commercial art, claiming they distort truth and reflect societal flaws, reducing art to triviality.
In simple terms: Museums and commercial art are seen as dishonest and shallow.
Question the authenticity and purpose of institutional art.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- visiting a museum
- buying art
- curating an exhibition
- art education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think all art is compromised by commerce?
- Can museums also inspire and educate despite flaws?
The view is highly subjective and dismisses the value many art can hold for individuals and societies.