Sketch of world's tallest sculpture by Picasso unearthed in Florida

New York, March 1 (IANS) Researchers have for the first time discovered a sketch of a 100-feet sculpture, touted as the world's tallest, envisioned by renowned artist Pablo Picasso.

Kamila Oles, art historian and archaeologist at the University of South Florida, discovered a copy of Picasso's photograph and sketches, which demonstrated his vision of building a 100-feet tall sculpture, made of reinforced concrete at an estimated cost of $10 million.

Entitled "Bust of Woman" the 100 ft artwork was to stand alongside an architectural art centre designed by world famous architect Paul Rudolph, in the grounds of the University of South Florida in Tampa.

However, just a day before the work got approved by the State Board of Regents on April 8, 1973, Picasso died, leaving the project unfinished.

"We are the next artisans who will bring to life the biggest project of the world's most renowned artist by means of new technologies," said Kamila Oles, art historian and archaeologist at the varsity.

"It is an extraordinary pleasure to realise Picasso's desire. I believe he would be very enthusiastic about our virtual reality methods," Oles added.

Oles also discovered a now obsolete audio reel (¼"x1200' 7'), which included a 1974 recording made by famed collaborator Carl Nesjar, that helped him piece together the project's historical significance.

"When I found the reel, I had a feeling it was going to be a major piece to the puzzle," Oles said.

"It took a really long time to find a company with the technology to convert it to MP3. When I realised it was Carl Nesjar speaking, my jaw nearly hit the floor."

Nesjar had worked with Picasso for 20 years, turning his drawings and models into large public sculptures, such as the 36-feet "Bust of Sylvette," currently displayed at New York University.

--IANS

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