Pica, le Minotaure et ses Muses

Dive into the captivating universe of Pica, the Minotaur, and his muses, a choreographic creation on Picasso, crafted by author and choreographer David Llari.

This work paints a triptych portrait of Picasso: the man, the artist, and the monster who defined himself as the Minotaur. This choreographic journey explores the duality of human nature, revealing facets of violence and bestiality in various forms. The development of this dramaturgical axis unfolds through the powerful and animalistic narrative of Picasso’s relationships with his women in the context of the artist’s oeuvre.

Work of inspiration

At the genesis of Pica, the Minotaur and his muses, lies an artistic journey deeply rooted in inspiration and the study of Picasso’s iconic paintings. Indeed, choreographer David Llari has embarked on an intensive exploration, immersing himself in the heart of the Spanish artist’s canvases. Every movement, every dance step in the piece is the result of an interpretation of Picasso’s lines, colors, and the emotions inhabiting his works. The paintings inspire the choreography with artistic precision: each nuance is captured and magnified in a powerful physical language.

“My starting point is to create unique portraits of the women who have influenced Picasso’s work, as if each of them were a reflection of his artistic genius, their alienation to the painter’s love, of which he himself is a captive… It seems obvious to me today to pay tribute to these women and to bring them out of the shadow of Picasso, the Minotaur.” – David Llari, author and choreographer

The figure of the Minotaur, a recurring character in Picasso’s universe, consequently holds a crucial place in the construction of the choreography. Sometimes a spectator, sometimes an actor, the Minotaur represents a man dominated by his impulses, with Picasso, in his own words, embodying himself in this mythological creature.

The Origin of the Show 

In 2018, the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) and the Centre de la Vieille Charité hosted a dual exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso. It is as a result of a commission from the Vieille Charité that the creation ‘Pica, the Minotaur and his muses’ came to life.

The creation

When David Llari becomes an associate artist of the Strasbourg Choreographic Center, he undertakes to give greater scope to this piece in order to deepen its dramaturgical core.

In doing so, the piece transforms into a battle between the artist and the monster. The choreographic work invites every visitor to traverse the painter’s work and navigate within his very mind. This choreographic and musical tableau then becomes a phantasmagorical journey where the Minotaur, a ubiquitous figure in Picasso’s works, is personified and transforms into a divine object.

From the stance of statues, the bodies of the female and male dancers are neutralized and decompose progressively throughout the piece. In the feminine and intimate universe of these four women, a violence and animality awaken within the performers’ bodies, then unite through the breath and power of dance.

Painting and Dance

The company was followed by Léa de Ruffray, a French artist and illustrator, who offered another vision of the choreographic piece and translated it into pictorial art.

Musée de l’Homme

Pica, the Minotaur and his muses was featured as part of the ‘Arts and Prehistory’ season at the National Museum of Natural History, presenting the exhibition ‘Picasso and Prehistory’ from February 8 to June 12, 2023, in resonance with the performance.

Performance at Centre chorégraphique de Strasbourg 

Discover the recording of the show Pica, the Minotaur, and his Muses.