“There are no rules,” Gagosian Gallery curator Michael Cary stated, “on being a Picasso expert.” Addressing Upper School students and faculty, Mr. Cary, this year’s Anne Sophie Laumont ’99 guest speaker, began his presentation by revealing how he became an expert on Pablo Picasso. His secret was always saying “yes” to opportunities. In fact, he shared that he did not have a defined career plan; instead, he took the approach to learn everything he could in each seemingly disparate job. He explained: “You have no idea how the knowledge you have may play out later in your life.” By not readily labeling himself and instead pursuing a variety of experiences, he eventually landed a role that led him to Picasso’s life and work. In a soft voice that made the audience lean in so as not to miss any words, Cary said: “By defining yourself too narrowly” or too quickly, “you eliminate all that could or might be.”

As he let these words sink in, Cary swiftly transitioned to a slide showcasing one of Picasso’s paintings. On the edge of their seats, students were alert, and ready to find out how Cary’s career advice might relate to Picasso’s art. 

Cary continued: “Picasso had no style as his style. He kept people guessing, he was always changing and trying new things. He did not want to calcify his identity or who he was.” In Picasso’s first show, his pieces were incongruous; it looked like the work of 20 different artists. Reviews of the show were negative because of these distinct styles; but it was exactly Picasso’s intention to present his work in a mix of subjects and styles, Cary divulged. Picasso built his identity around being impetuous.

Sharing the room with a curator and Picasso expert provided students with an opportunity to  better understand a well-known artist from a distinct perspective, giving them access to perhaps unfamiliar themes and narratives. Cary engaged students in the story of Picasso’s Blue Period, explaining that knowing the context “adds dimension to your thoughts and feelings” about a painting. He displayed a series of Picasso’s lesser-known works, detailing a riveting story alongside each slide, and simultaneously expanding students’ knowledge about Picasso’s muses.

Following the lecture, students joined Cary in the Drawing Room for additional conversation. More than 20 students gathered around Cary, enthusiastically asking him questions about curating exhibits. Everyone was intrigued and wanted to hear more stories about Picasso’s life. Whether they realize it or not, students already heed Cary’s advice of learning as much as possible every day at Spence, both in and outside of the classroom.

ABOUT THE ANNE SOPHIE LAUMONT ’99 LECTURE

The Anne Sophie Laumont ’99 Lecture was established in 1998 by Sophie’s parents, family, and friends to honor her passion for knowledge, pay homage to her courageous spirit, cherish her legacy, and extend the spark of her creativity to future generations of Spence students. Each year, the school honors Sophie’s memory with a lecture in one of the following areas: the arts, literature, or the sciences. Past speakers have included Maura McLaughlin, John McPhee, Shahid Naeem, Celia Divino P’13, and Misty Copeland.