I recently returned from a New Year trip to Spain, where I immersed myself in its rich heritage, including artist Pablo Picasso's birthplace museum in Málaga and other iconic sites. During my stay in Málaga, I found myself near the Picasso Museum, which offers a poignant tribute to Picasso's remarkable legacy in the world of art.

When I think of Spain, Picasso (1881-1973) immediately comes to mind. A towering figure in modern art, he revolutionized painting, sculpture and more. While much of his life was spent in France, his roots and enduring influence remain deeply tied to Spain.

Before my trip, I had the privilege of attending the opening of the exhibition "Picasso de Málaga: A Glimpse Into Picasso's World Through the Lens of Juan Gyenes" at the Continue Auction Gallery in Seoul on Dec. 3. Co-organized by the Embassy & Cultural Center of Spain, the city governments of Málaga, Seville and Córdoba and the Liszt Institute - Hungarian Cultural Center Seoul, the exhibition provided a unique window into the two-decade-long friendship and creative collaboration between Hungarian photographer Juan Gyenes (1912–95) and Picasso.

Gyenes, a close friend of Picasso, offered an intimate perspective into the artist's world, capturing scenes from his studio in Vallauris and his homes in Cannes and Mougins, France. His photographs, personally approved by Picasso, reveal not only the artist's physical presence but also his emotional depth and boundless creativity. Embracing Picasso's belief that "each room is a painting," Gyenes portrayed Picasso as a man deeply immersed in his art, not just as an iconic figure.

The exhibition highlights Gyenes' photographs of Picasso from 1953 to 1961, offering an intimate glimpse into the artist's life and creative process. Capturing moments from Picasso's homes and studios, these images reveal not just his artistry but also his emotional depth, framing him as both a creative icon and a deeply human figure.

What inspired me most was the powerful photograph of Picasso with Gyenes' "My Book of Bulls" (1958) and other images from the Visiting Picasso/Mai Mano House series, capturing Picasso's life at the Mai Mano House in Cannes. These photographs reflect his unwavering dedication to his craft and playful spirit, evoking the feeling of encountering Picasso not just as an artist but as a man driven by intensity and passion — as if I were meeting him in person decades ago.

The strength of Gyenes' work lies in its ability to balance the visible and the unseen. Picasso, known for his selective self-presentation, is captured by Gyenes with striking authenticity, revealing both his outward persona and the emotional currents that shaped his world. This duality makes the photographs both intimate and enigmatic.

Complementing Gyenes' photography are Picasso's own works, including a drawing of his eyes from the Museo Picasso Málaga and a portrait from the Musée National Picasso-Paris.

These works enrich the exhibition, offering a more profound understanding of Picasso — not only as an artist but also as a man whose intellectual and emotional life were deeply intertwined with his creative output.

This exhibition also reminded me of my visit to Budapest, where I first appreciated the cultural richness of Gyenes' work. Viewing his photography now in the context of his friendship with Picasso deepened my appreciation for the artistic and cultural exchange between these two remarkable figures.

Reflecting on this experience, I am struck by how art transcends time and space, connecting us to the lives and legacies of its creators. The exhibition was not just a tribute to Picasso but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of friendship in the creative world. The relationship between Picasso and Gyenes is a beautiful example of how their bond shaped both their lives and legacies.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.