Pablo Gargallo facts for kids

Pablo Gargallo (born January 5, 1881 – died December 28, 1934) was a famous Spanish sculptor and painter. He is known for creating unique sculptures, often using metal.

Pablo Gargallo in 1910

Early Life and Unique Art Style

Pablo Gargallo was born in Maella, a town in Aragon, Spain. In 1888, when he was seven, his family moved to Barcelona. This is where he started learning about art.

Gargallo developed a special way of making sculptures. He would create 3D shapes from flat pieces of metal. He also used materials like paper or cardboard.

Exploring Cubism

Some of his sculptures show a style called Cubism. In this art style, objects are broken up and put back together in abstract ways. For example, a face might only show one side or have just one eye.

He also made more traditional sculptures. These were created using materials like bronze and marble. Gargallo is seen as a very important artist from the Aragonese avant-garde. This means he was part of a group of artists who created new and experimental art.

Life in Paris and Artistic Friends

Pablo and Magali Gargallo in 1913, Paris

Pablo Gargallo in his studio, Paris, 1915

Pablo Gargallo spent much of his life in Paris, France. In 1903, he got a studio in an artists' area called the Cité d'Artistes. There, he met other artists like Max Jacob and Carlos Casagemas. They were both friends with the famous artist Pablo Picasso.

In 1907, he lived in an artists' community called Le Bateau-Lavoir. Here, he shared a studio with his friend Picasso. He even sculpted Picasso's head. He also saw Picasso's important painting, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. This painting was a big step towards Cubism.

Soon after, another artist, Juan Gris, introduced him to Magali Tartanson. Pablo and Magali got married in 1915. During this time, Picasso's art greatly influenced Gargallo's work.

Famous Works and Legacy

Gargallo created several famous sculptures. Three of his pieces were inspired by the movie star Greta Garbo. These include "Masque de Greta Garbo à la mèche" (Mask of Greta Garbo with a lock of hair).

He also worked with another sculptor, Dídac Masana. Together, they sculpted a large arch for the stage of the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. This artwork shows the "Ride of the Valkyries" from an opera by Richard Wagner.

Pablo Gargallo sadly passed away in Reus, Spain, in 1934. He is remembered as one of the most important artists of the Spanish avant-garde movement. In 1985, the Pablo Gargallo Museum opened in Zaragoza. His childhood home in Maella has also become a museum dedicated to his life and art.

Gallery

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  Isidre Nonell, bronze, 1911, MNAC

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  Portrait of Picasso, stone, 1913, MNAC

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  Prophet, bronze, 1933, MNCARS

See also

In Spanish: Pablo Gargallo para niños