Guernica tapestry in London

The Guernica tapestry, based on Picasso's painting, is on public display here in London at the moment. It is being loaned from the United Nations building in New York during renovation. The tapestry's profile increased in 2003 when it was covered over around the time of a war debate; accounts differ on whether it was covered at the behest of the party seeking conflict or to improve television pictures of the debate (briefly described here). Whichever reason is true, it is apt that a painting of war horrors, unwanted at the time of conflict, should be shared more widely than before.

Picasso's work appeals to me because of its high intellectual content. I have no art training, so find it difficult to appreciate why a painting is great when I am told it has a high visual beauty or because it contains great detail in its contents or allegories. Beauty is highly subjective and I want definitions (no doubt showing personal inadequacy in aesthetics, but I still want them). Great detail is contained in a photograph and detailed allegories could be produced by most people with a little briefing.

In Picasso's work, there is detailed reference and commentary on past traditions, academic in the analysis. There are theories of perception presented in the layouts, examining sight which I had taken for granted, and anticipating later scientific approaches to perception I think. The symbolism is dense and admits multiple interpretations in a way similar to philosophy and which I enjoy enormously.

Some analyses of the Guernica painting are given here. I hope to see the tapestry in London, and it may come to your country if the UN allows it.