In a previous article, our online gallery announced this conference organized by the French team at the Château du Bois-la-Croix in Pontault-Combault.
The event was dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica” — not as a traditional art lecture, but as an exploration of the work’s genesis and the artist’s intention.
For “Guernica” is not merely a painting: it is an act of bearing witness, a cry against violence and war.

The speaker, Philippe — an artist and teacher of applied arts — began by recalling the bombing of Guernica: the attack by Nazi aviation on an entirely civilian population.
He then illustrated how, throughout history, artists have depicted human suffering and devastation — from the Greeks and Giotto to Géricault, Edvard Munch, and even the composer Gustav Mahler.
Through Dora Maar’s photographs taken in Picasso’s studio, the audience rediscovered the painter’s political engagement and the enduring message of his work.

In closing, the lecturer reminded us that “Guernica” remains as relevant as ever — a timeless call for humanity and a warning against war.
He is not a mere lecturer, but a storyteller. For him, civilization itself begins with storytelling — with the art of passing things on.

These conferences now take place in seasonal cycles: autumn, winter, and spring.
Our online gallery will soon announce the full programme.

A conference filmed by shootfilms.tv

We warmly thank shootfilms.tv for filming and editing the event.
As the full video lasts over an hour, we have chosen to share here a selection of photo stills instead.

Natascha – Swiss Team