Centered on Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and the path to Cubism, the afternoon moved beyond art history into a broader conversation about questioning established ideas, thinking differently, and developing new perspectives.

 

Drawing on decades of artistic practice and research, Baykam explored Picasso’s radical departure from convention and spoke about his own long-standing intellectual and personal connection with Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. As he describes the significance of the work:

 

“For me, Picasso’s painting is not merely a turning point in art history; it is a threshold where modernism, the body, representation, and the Western-centric narrative of art were fundamentally challenged.”

 

From Picasso and Cubism, the conversation naturally expanded into the value of looking beyond established boundaries and seeing the familiar from a different point of view. The discussion continued with questions from our members, leading to an open and engaging exchange with Baykam. Before the luncheon, a book-signing session also gave our members the opportunity to meet him personally and continue the conversation one-on-one.

 

Our first gathering of the new season offered an opportunity to reflect on a compelling connection between art and leadership: the ability to look beyond what is established, ask different questions, and bring forward a new perspective.

 

We thank Bedri Baykam for sharing his experience and perspective with us, and all our members and guests who joined us for the opening of our new season.