Paloma Ruiz-Picasso Takes Charge as Administrator of Pablo Picasso’s Estate

Paloma Ruiz-Picasso, the daughter of renowned artist Pablo Picasso, has been appointed as the administrator of her father’s estate, according to their lawyer. This announcement comes after the passing of their mother, French artist Françoise Gilot, in June. Paloma Ruiz-Picasso takes over the role from her brother Claude, who had served as the director since 1989 but has decided to step down.

Paloma Ruiz-Picasso is a multifaceted individual, excelling in various fields including business, fashion, and design. She is involved in the realms of perfume, accessories, and jewellery design, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. As the last remaining of Picasso’s four children, she holds a significant connection to her father’s artistic legacy.

The Picasso estate is responsible for managing and overseeing the vast collection of artworks held by Claude Picasso, Paloma Ruiz-Picasso, their late sister Maya Widmaier Picasso (daughter of Marie-Thérèse Walter), and two of Pablo Picasso’s grandchildren, Marina and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. The estate plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Picasso’s artistic heritage.

One of the primary functions of the Picasso estate is to safeguard the copyright, trademark, and reproduction rights associated with Picasso’s works. With this authority, the estate can issue authentication certificates to ensure the authenticity of artworks and combat forgeries. The estate website emphasises that the heirs, including Paloma Ruiz-Picasso, hold a form of joint ownership over the intellectual property rights connected to the work and name of Pablo Picasso.

Pablo Picasso’s artistic legacy has been the subject of significant exhibitions and critical examination in recent years. One notable show, titled “It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby,” offers a critique of Picasso as a “monumentally misogynistic and abusive domestic authoritarian dictator.” This perspective prompts a broader discussion about the artist’s personal life and the societal context in which his art was created.

The appointment of Paloma Ruiz-Picasso as the administrator of her father’s estate signals a new chapter in the management and preservation of Picasso’s artistic legacy. Her diverse background and expertise in various fields bring a fresh perspective to the administration of the estate. With her guidance, the estate will continue its vital role in protecting and promoting Picasso’s works, ensuring their enduring impact on the art world.

As the Picasso estate moves forward under Paloma Ruiz-Picasso’s leadership, it will play a crucial role in preserving the integrity of Picasso’s artistic vision and furthering the understanding and appreciation of his contributions to the art world. The estate’s ongoing efforts to combat forgeries and maintain the authenticity of Picasso’s works will contribute to the ongoing legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.