By utilizing a small handheld electric lightbulb, Mili photographed Pablo Picasso in a dark room, with two cameras — one positioned at the side, the other at the front. By leaving the cameras’ shutters open Mili was able to capture Picasso’s light moving through the air, outlining the shapes of minotaurs, figures, his signature, and vases of flowers. When the images were shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 1950, Picasso was able to see the drawings he created with Mili for the first time, invisible to the naked eye in the moment of their conception until the process of photographic development brought them to life. This series became known as Picasso’s Light Drawings, ephemeral sketches that live on through the power of Mili’s innovative and playful photography.
Life Magazine | Behind the Picture: Picasso Draws With Light
Artland Magazine | Artistic Collaborations: Pablo Picasso & Gjon Mili
