Paloma Picasso, 1975

Andy Warhol and Paloma Picasso, daughter of Pablo Picasso and Françoise Gilot, shared a deep friendship rooted in the 1970s New York social scene. Warhol admired Paloma’s unique blend of artistic heritage, fashion influence, and beauty. Paloma, a designer and muse, became a part of Warhol’s circle of socialites, who embodied the intersection of art, fashion, and fame—key elements in Warhol’s work. Their connection was a reflection of Warhol’s fascination with celebrity culture and the legacy of Pablo Picasso, whom Warhol greatly respected.

Warhol’s Paloma Picasso (1975) screenprint captures her in a stylized, glamorous pose. It is based on an acetate positive derived from a photograph of Paloma, a method Warhol commonly employed in his screenprinting process. The portrait, typical of Warhol’s technique, features bold colors and graphic lines, highlighting her striking features. The vivid orange, purple, and turquoise blocks that mask Paloma’s right eye create a contrast with the silvery shading on her face. The work is a statement on Paloma’s own rising fame, her strong personality and presence in the art world, related to, yet separate from, her father’s legacy.

Paloma Picasso is part of the portfolio America’s Hommage à Picasso, which contains works by eleven artists, published after Picasso´s death.